Power Lunch

(Reposted from a previously published diary.)

I had a staff lunch yesterday. Kind of a "get to know the new boss" deal for my staff. I don’t have a lot of staff, but I do manage a few people and I think they appreciate getting to know me in a neutral environment. I don’t know the town too well yet, but I thought the Mr. Goodies Pizza and Party Emporium might just fit the bill for a neutral and laid-back location.

The food was fair, but little Donnie’s three-year birthday party at the next table made business conversation kind of tough. Marie, my assistant, did enjoy getting a balloon giraffe, but I felt the balloon hat I had to wear was a little distracting. Overall, I think the meeting went well, at least as far as getting to know one another.

I found out that one of my analysts is an air-hockey hustler. (I owe her a free Annual Performance Review upgrade.) I also found out that putting my entire staff in bumper cars is not a good thing so early in our relationship. It’s not that they lack a strong team spirit, it’s just that they are not yet convinced I am on the same team. At least the neck brace gives me an excuse not to wear a tie for a couple of weeks.