I’m a popular guy. Every PAO is, right? Especially when you have something to offer. You probably provide good input to discussions, you have access to a camera, you can get stuff in the news or in the organization’s newsletter. Good for you.
It’s great until everyone wants your time. Sometimes, you have to say no.
I get invited to 18 staff meetings. I don’t go. Someone can take notes for me maybe, or if someone really needs something they’ll let me know.
I get invited to several events per week. Sorry Chaplain, I don’t go. Many of these events are products of history or misaligned initiative. Unless they lend to our organization’s purpose, I don’t go and they don’t get coverage. Review this classic post: Are you the HQ PAO or the HHC PAO?
Time is our only limited resource.
What I’m describing is a nuanced tactic. I go to meetings. I treat everyone like a VIP. But since we’re busy, I only do things that are purposeful.
Purposeful meetings and events lend to your organization’s mission and help you protect America. Purposeful things are usually filled with purposeful tasks and purposeful people. I make sure I am there, even when not invited.
Staffs like to meet. People feel like they’re accomplishing things when they spend an hour looking at PowerPoint slides. Feel-good ceremonies make people feel good. Looking at slides and making people feel good is not the job of a PAO.
I make this sound easier than it is. It’ll be tough. Sometimes the Chief of Staff holds the meeting that you’re not going to go to. Sometimes the commander will attend the Chaplain event you won’t. Get used to having difficult conversations about these things. Own your decisions.
Disclaimer: You don’t get to skip meetings so you can leave early or sit on Facebook longer. You get to skip meetings because people know you are engaged in real, purposeful work. People will know that because you produce results. If you don’t produce results, make sure you have your slides updated the day before and see you at the meeting … bring a camera.
Photo by Maj. Timothy Johnson
