Mother Hen

Few of us like walking into most any situation unprepared. What are people going to be talking about? What is going to be expected of me? Am I going to have to talk? If so, what should I focus on? Who else is going to be there? What are there backgrounds? These are just a few of the many questions that pop their heads out of the ground whenever we find ourselves looking ahead to an upcoming event or meeting we are scheduled to attend. In many cases, they are very basic questions that by themselves may not seem all that vital. Collectively, however, they can often spell the difference between confident and making a good impression and not.


Not surprisingly, often times chief executives and other leading administrators and officers find themselves about to participate in some sort of activity but lack all the necessary background information they need to feel at-ease in terms of their own performance and how well they represent their company or organization. One of the vital roles of any public relations worker is to help give the "big boss" greater peace-of-mind during these times. They do this by anticipating those kind of basic questions, producing answers to them, and then reviewing them with the executive so they will be better able to do well.


At these times, the public relations worker takes on the role of "mother hen." They are very protective of their boss because they know if the boss does well, is satisfied and feeling secure, then it will bode well for all who report to them. Also, it enhances the image of the organization, which is a leading goal for any public relations professional in their efforts to promote a client. Taking on the role of the executive's protector is not always easy. One does not want to be overprotective where the executive feels as if they are being manipulated or used. Being a good protector requires establishing a viable working relationship with the executive. Establishing such a positive connection benefits everyone within the organization.