Leadership Lessons: Why is it important to RSVP?

Editor’s note: Potomac Local asked leaders in our community to share simple tips on etiquette.

By Chris Peden

In his first book, “Hey, Wait a Minute”, John Madden had a chapter where he talks about getting his Oakland Raiders ready to play in Super Bowl XI.  He said that the football part was easy.  

It was the “hoopla” surrounding the game that was the biggest thing that needed to be handled.  What he did was to keep the players informed as to what was happening so that his players would have less to worry about and concentrate on the game.  Given that they won 32-14, it sounds like he did a good job. 

While a party may not be the Super Bowl, it may feel like the Super Bowl to the people putting on the event.  There are many details to worry about, from the setup of the location to the food, and even finding appropriate music.  

Who attends the event determines what choices the host makes about these details.  If the host does not know who will be showing up, it makes the choices harder. If more people show up than anticipated, there is a mad scramble to accommodate them.  If fewer people show up than anticipated, then the host will have spent more on the party then they needed.

When people know what is happening, there is less of a chance of something going wrong.  Responding to an RSVP helps the host know what to expect, making the event easier to run.  

If you are concerned that you will hurt the host’s feelings by saying no, they will be more hurt by the additional stress that occurs from not knowing if you will show up.  If you can genuinely not make it, let them know to lessen their anxiety.  

The golden rule states to “treat others the way you want to be treated”.  If you were hosting an event, would you want to know who was coming so you could plan appropriately for the party? 

 Give the person who invited you a gift and let them know whether you will be attending.

Chris Peden, CPA, CMA, CFM, is the Chief Advisor at Peden Accounting Services in Manassas. He specializes in helping people and businesses not only meet their tax filing obligations but also develop plans to save money on taxes, as well as helping businesses understand their financial information and take action to grow their business.