Give Someone a 3-Hour Vacation!
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PrintWhat does everyone need more of? Answer: time! So set up a meeting with your boss or a co-worker, or someone you know in another nonprofit. Make it for Dec
ember 22 or 23. Say it's really important and will take 2.5 to 3 hours. If they ask what it's about, say (in an urgent tone of voice) that you'll tell them at the meeting but they needn't worry.
Then, at 10 am on December 22 (or whenever you made the appointment), announce that there's no meeting and they now have three hours to go Christmas shopping or get a massage!
Many thanks to my CompassPoint co-workers Mike Allison and Andrew Goldfarb for this gift several years ago . . . which I still appreciate having been given. Jan
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Comments
I strongly suggest you not do this to your boss.
Probably very good advice, although the two people who did it to me also reported to me. :) Jan
Agreed!
I strongly agree but to anyone for that matter...nice idea but we don't live on that planet :-) Kristian Www.kristianward.com
I would suggest we stop affiliating winter holidays with shopping or massages.
Another fantastic issue Jan (and others). And what a thoughtful gift you received, thanks for sharing. Obviously, one needs to think carefully about with whom you apporach on this one, and that was done well in your situation. Enjoy the holidays.
Given the work it takes to carve out that much time for a meeting, this working mom would be PO'd to get that kind of "surprise."
If this is to be a pleasant surprise, why subject the recipient to anxiety over what the "meeting" is really about? I suggest just saying when you encounter the employee as you arrive at work, "You could probably use some extra time for shopping or whatever this time of year. Go ahead and take the afternoon off."
I had my house painted recently. The painters were pleasant to have around and did excellent work, and I knew I would tip them. But I didn't wait until they were done, I tipped them when they were a little more than half way through the job. They knew they were appreciated, and they continued the good work right to the end.
There's nothing wrong with telling people early that you appreciate them.
-from rural Vermont
LOVE IT!!
I'd like someone to give me that bunny balloon ride.
Hm... Interesting concept, but... As a boss, I gotta tell ya, I don't think I'd appreciate this. As a co-worker, I don't think I'd appreciate it either. But hey, to each their own.
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