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Bruce Byfield wrote:
>
> The trouble is that this kind of thing is easy to dismiss as a
> blatant attempt to win someone over.
> Instead of such obvious tactics: be polite and friendly, and,
> when you ask a favor, make clear that you know that you are
> asking a favor.
>
> It works with office staff, too.
>
> For that matter, it works with almost everyone else.
>
You are correct if one only buys for one person. When you work in close
proximity, once in a while buying ice cream or bringing in bagels, as a
treat for the gang works. Certainly there is no downside if not
overdone. I have even said, with a smile and loud voice, "this is a
bribe, make sure you don't lose my bills." Everyone takes it as a joke
and I have never seen anyone offended, including top management. The
thought of an ice cream bribe is so ludicrous that my comment has never
been taken seriously, but it does help cement relations. If you are
always an aloof and stiff sourpuss, then of course, it wont work.
--
Peter
There are few situations in life that cannot be resolved
promptly, and to the satisfaction of all concerned,
by either suicide, a bag of gold,
or thrusting a despised antagonist over a precipice on a dark night.
Ernest Bramah (Kai Lung stories)
