The BIG IMPORTANT Work of the World

My life is pretty busy. I am working on multiple projects and programs every day. I do the mundane, and I even get to do some fun stuff. I have an administrative assistant. BUT, I make my own appointments. My gatekeeper screens telemarketers, takes messages, dispenses information...but my calendar is my own.

Does this make me defective? A control freak? Or quite possibly does it just make me considerate?

Step with me, dear reader, through the inefficiencies of making an appointment through an assistant.

E-mail #1

Dear Julie: My boss is just back from vacation and wants to schedule a conference call next week to discuss the VERY IMPORTANT PROJECT. Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday would be fine.

Dear Assistant: Next week is pretty busy, let's get it scheduled early. How about Monday at 10?

E-mail #2

Dear Julie: My boss won't be in until noon on Monday. Can we do it at 2 p.m.?

Dear Assistant: I can move my 1:30 meeting. 2 p.m. will be fine.

E-mail #3

Dear Julie: My boss wants to do this on Tuesday or Wednesday. What time is good for you?

Dear Assistant: I have an idea...why don't you ask your boss WHEN she would like to meet and get back to me?

E-mail #4

Dear Julie: My boss says Tuesday at 2 p.m. would be best for her.

Dear Assistant: That sounds just fine. I will be on the road between sites, so call me on the cell phone number I provided.

Now, call me kooky, but I think it might have been far easier for the boss in question to e-mail me herself. I imagine it going something like this.

E-mail #1

Dear Julie: Hope you are well. I am back from vacation. I would like to touch base with you regarding the VERY IMPORTANT PROJECT. I am busy Monday, how does Tuesday at 2 p.m. look for you?

Dear Leader of the Free World and Keeper of Peace, Beauty and All that is GOOD: Tuesday is fine. Talk to you then.

Is it just me? I would fight back by directing all assistants to my own assistant, but I like us both too much to start that nonsense. Maybe I am not doing the IMPORTANT WORK of the world like everyone else, but I hope I am never so important that I can't schedule my own appointments.