Should I be nice or not?

[Fishbone†]

Okay, we've already established on a separate thread that I don't share well. Tamie can also confirm that I'm super territorial and a perfectionist. It's so bad, that sometimes I frustrate myself!!

So, when a co-worker asked me to email her a copy of my Power Point presentation that I created from scratch (background and all), I REALLY didn't want to. I'm currently struggling with what to do for several reasons:

1) It's mine! I created it.... I'm proud of it..... and it's my style.
2) She always takes credit for things she didn't do, and talks up how good she is on the computer when in fact she's not.
3) She will use my presentation for EVERY SINGLE presentation she does from this point forward. They will all look exactly like mine with different accounts and displays.

First of all, I know I'm being selfish, but I want to retain my style and keep it for myself. She can come up with her own style if she knows so much. And secondly I never do anything the same. Each of my presentations are different with their own look... I don't like cookie cutter things like that. This presentation was created for one purpose and I want it to stay that way.

I was considering taking the background off and just forwarding her the text, but then she'd have to add her own background, and I'm sure she doesn't know how.

Please be honest, am I being a total brat??

 

[dizneegirl]

Just politely tell her that you'd rather not.

Unless you're all supposed to be "on the same team"... then, I suppose you really ought to share. Otherwise, I don't see any need to give her your work.

If you were feeling really nice, you could ask if she wanted you to make her a template for her presentations...

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

I would thank her for flattering me by wanting my presentation. Then I would quietly, but firmly tell that I don't wish to share it. End of story.

 

[gemmie214]

If she has a history of taking credit for others work and if you are NOT on the same team I would firmly but politly tell her you are not comfortable releasing work that is specific to another project but if she ever needed some help you would be glad to give her some input. I think that is nice

 

[danacara]

I'd forward her the text, no background, no graphics, and I'd say something nice about how wonderful it is that she was so interested in the content! She can't come back and say to you, "oh, what I really wanted to do was snipe your background." You come out looking classy, and she doesn't get what she wants.

 

[supercarrie]

I would do what danacara suggests.

 

[Serena]

It's not a question of being nice or not. It's a question of whether or not you want someone stealing your stuff. Just politely tell her "no".

 

[newmousecateer]

All good advice as far as I am concerned. You created it, it is yours. If knowing how to use Power Point is expected of her for her job, then she should learn how to use it and create her own presentations.

 

[tiggerlover]

I have nothing to add, just wanted to say I agree with the above. You are not a "total brat", just protecting what is yours from a person with a history of taking credit for things that don't belong to her.

 

[caitycaity]

i also agree with danacara.

and no i don't think you are being selfish, your just protecting yourslef, professionally. it's YOUR work, afterall.

 

[Goofyposter]

FB....you are a brat.


But, not in this case!

......how 'bout this....know'in nothing about PP...I can say this with a straight face....can you "easily" modifiy the background/presentation...(or wood that be a pain in the fishtail?)to add something that clearly states:

Presentation By The Nice Fishbone

that way...you haven't said no to her....but you haven't let her 'git away' with it either?.....

jurst a thought!

 

[Sunny]

I'm pretty competitive but if someone at work asked me to share a template, macro, spreadsheet, etc. or asked for help on something, I've always done it. It's good teamwork and outside the team, it's great customer service. Of course, with all the team training and customer service training, I may just be brainwashed finally after all these years. But, nothing really bad has come out of it so it must be pretty good.

 

[C.Ann]

If this is something that you have totally created on your own, I see no reason to share it and quite frankly, I think it's rude of her to ask you to do so..

If you wrote a book, would you allow someone else to have it published with their name listed as being the author?

I don't think you're being selfish at all - just protecting your own creation.. I would politely decline and not give it another thought..

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>I think you need to do what feels right to you.


I use the same MO as Sunny. Creating power point presentations comes easily to me, and each time, I add something new, etc. However, whenever anyone has asked me if they could use my template or whatever, I share. I have also created a basic template and that is the first one I share with anyone who asks. It's up to them to add their own creativity, and I've 'tutored' various co-workers how to make their own ppts interesting.

I used to put my initials on the master page, or otherwise mark it somehow as my own, but over the years I've learned to let that go and concentrate on what is to me more important - good working relationships, positive attitude, etc. I think having a good reputation for turning out good work and having team spirit and a positive attitude goes so much further than a static document.

 

[Banzai]

I am split on what to do...I think Dana had it right though.

 

[wdwpluto]

Maybe you can offer to show her how to customize it and make it her own? That way you come off looking good but still retain your individual presentation style.

Just a thought!
Lori

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

Okay, now that I've answered, I've got a question. What exactly is a "power-point presentation?"

 

[debster812]

Heidi,

I am ALL for being a team player, but if this person has a history of taking credit for work that is not their's, well then all bets are off. I say send her the text of your presentation, with a note saying she can customize and 'make pretty' to put her own stamp on it. (that's a big buzzword around my office these days, put your own stamp on it!)

And, you are not a brat, well not most of the time, anyway, I did get some YUMMY blackberry jelly. Ian (DS 5YO is MAKING me share it! ).

Good Luck!!!

Debbie

Sheree--PowerPoint is a Microsoft program that lets you do super cool presentations with graphics, text, music, etc on your PC, and you can then interface with a projector and use it for meetings and large groups. (that would be Debster's over simplified explanation, I am sure a techie can do a better job)

Debbie

 

[Pumbaa_]

Tough one. In my department, I do most of the PowerPoint presentations. I often do them for the other managers and make them nice. The nice thing is that they always acknowledge my work and thank me.

The advantage I have is working for a small (about 500) company and in my department there are about 45 people.

My director (and his AA) usually look to me to pull all our presentations together. I love doing them and they come out nice.

Only you know your work environment and what is 'allowed' and what is fair. If I had someone who swiped my work or didn;t acknowledge it, I would give the content but take out all animation and personalization. Black and White only baby!!

Good luck! (And if you do, make sure you take credit for 'setting the standard' on your performance review!)

 

[Mishetta]

Here's my 2 cents worth....

As Pumbaa suggested, alter it! Then your co-worker may not be interested in it anymore!

Good Luck whatever you decide!