Not an 'issue'- but want to check that I won't come across as a sychophant

[Spidergirl8]

Just looking for a bit of anonymous honest feedback really. I am going to a large group meeting next week which includes people across the region working in similar organisations. Part of the pre-work is to identify some role models who inspire you. I genuinely feel inspired by my boss. She has achieved so much; fantastic career, great at networking, makes time for her staff, glamorous, single parent (for her entire career) and just really is a great person.
I want to include her as one of my role models however, she is also attending the event as a senior representative in business. I have no idea how we will present our role models, however do you think I will come across as a bit of a sychophant? Last thing I want to do is embaress her, or myself!!

[UncrushedParsley]

I think it is possible you might embarass her. IMHO nothing wrong with telling her this in private, but in one sentence, so it doesn't feel OTT maybe?

[KenDoddsDadsDog]

Not in public at an event. Feedback one to one. You could say she's a role model as well as xxx.

[ClashCityRocker]

You will embarrass her and come across as a brown-noser, I think.

If you do choose to go ahead, I'd have a word with her first as I wouldn't feel comfortable with someone talking about me personally in front of other colleagues, particularly about non work related things (single mother etc).

She might be genuinely touched though.

[Optimist1]

Would you be able to anonomise her by not mentioning her by name/organisation? Start off with one or two role models who'll be known to everyone, then say something along the lines of "So the vision of Steve Jobs and the individuality of Janet Street Porter have been qualities I've aspired to for many years, but the best manager I've worked for ..." (As CCRocker says, I'd leave out the stuff isn't work-related).

[Spidergirl8]

Thank you. I think I might have a word with her in private and explain that I would like to list her as role model but feel it would be indiscreet to mention this in front of a group. I just feel that I want her to know how much of a positive impact she has had on me at work, especially as, in recent times she has been subject to a grievance by a difficult member of staff.

[KenDoddsDadsDog]

I would be chuffed if my staff did this for me - nice to have a great boss.

[Optimist1]

That's a great idea, especially since she's had a bit of a hard time recently. I have to say that the thing that made me proudest in my career was when a member of staff told me that I had been the best manager she'd ever had (and no, I didn't see it as sycophantic)!

[Hoppinggreen]

I think it would be great for you to tell her but not really to announce it at a group session like that.
There are some things ( eg single parent) that she might not want you to broadcast.