3.1.00 - 20:32:52
I got roped into it again today. Some Director needs an emergency PowerPoint presentation for a meeting and guess who’s going to do it. I’d say I have no idea why my name gets bandied about when something like this comes up, but, I do know why. I’m a woman who works in Communications. This has happened at every company I’ve ever been employed by. Because I design their web sites, create their graphics, write their policies and procedures and ensure the end-user doesn’t get ripped off, I fall into this syndrome that I label, “Chicks Makin’ Slides”. I have never once seen this happen to a man. Nobody ever says, “Hey Joe, you’re a whiz with the graphics, why don’t you put together the presentation?”
Now the “Chicks Makin’ Slides” syndrome sometimes branches out into “Chicks Writin’ Memos”, “Chicks Sendin’ Jobs to the Color Printer” and the very rare, “Chicks Orderin’ Lunch” syndrome, but PowerPoint is the most frequent culprit. I’ve actually only known one woman who succumbed to “Chicks Orderin’ Lunch” syndrome, and it only happened once. The second time the request was made, she appropriately told the offender to, “Get bent.” I only include it because, she too, was a writer and of course, a woman.
In fact, every woman I’ve ever encountered professionally, who works in my field or a related field, has had to fight this syndrome. Only when you hit the upper echelons are you immune. I’ve also noticed that women who do reach the upper echelon do not ask us communication gals to perform these inappropriate tasks. Probably because they’ve endured it at one point or another in their career and understand the frustration.
There’s no vaccine for “Chicks Makin’ Slides” syndrome. The only defense is a good offense.
How to Combat “Chicks Makin’ Slides” Syndrome
Have the names and numbers of your clerical staff handy at all times:
When approached to create a PowerPoint presentation, quickly hand your list off to the requestor with a, “these folks will be able to take care of this for you,” and retreat immediately.
Delete PowerPoint from your company-owned computer:
When asked to put together bulleted lists in slide format and send copies to 35 business unit leaders, alert the requester that the proper paperwork will have to be filled out to provide you with the software and don’t forget to mention the licensing costs--ask for invoices just for kicks.
Keep a copy of the Worm Virus handy:
Simply infect your PC moments after the request. If you’re on a network, they’ll have to shut you down and it will take your IS department the better part of two weeks to fix it.
I did try the clerical angle today, but I was told thanks but no, they needed a “high-level” approach. I haven’t yet found a way to work this one except to tell them that I would do it this time, as a favor only, and made sure they knew this was not a part of my job description.
Always the team player.
