I’m sure people set out with the best intentions and a hidden agenda is furthest from their minds, but sometimes managers feel it’s best not to reveal their plans straight off the bat.
Recently, I was speaking to a very dear PA friend. She recounted a story that happened some years ago. She’d been invited to the boss’ home for dinner with some other senior members of the management team and their wives. She felt honoured to be included in such a gathering, white tablecloths, flowers, Champagne, gorgeous food – the evening was everything she’d hoped for. During the dinner, her boss spoke about a fabulous industry dinner to be held in France, senior clients were to be invited and, of course, all the management team. The boss turned to her and said ‘You’re invited too’. My friend was really flattered, thinking that all her hard work was being rewarded.
Then he said ‘You’ll need to be there to liaise with the restaurant, make sure the clients have a great time and organise their return travel’. Splash! She fell in. Sometimes agendas aren’t so hidden.