Posted on 02/09/2011 6:53:00 PM PST by CH3CN
What is the modern opinion regarding coffee in the office. Is it no longer proper to pour a cup of java, add a little cream, and drop it off on the boss's desk when he comes in? I always thought it was courteous and a demonstation of respect to greet the boss with a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. Guess I'm from the old school, but, I'd like to know what is done nowadays.
“let me get him coffee in the morning.”
Wives no longer appreciate this behavior
No, but a Navy guy told me once the navy cooks added salt water to their coffee.
What a dummy.
LoL!
Sounds like you make bad coffee. Maybe too strong or too weak?
Sometimes my husband or I bake fresh scones to take in, too. The students really like that. LOL.
Let it be. Give it up. Stop pushing it on him. He’s Chinese. Cultural differences. It is very rude to force something on someone when it is not wanted.
I’ve wondered this myself. Now our cars have cup holders. They didn’t used to because people didn’t drink in their cars, even on long trips. And those 64 oz drinks? Holy cow. I can nurse a can of Coke for an entire day. And have you noticed how EVERYONE has to have a bottle of water around, sucking on it like a wino on his last inch of Thunderbird?
It’s really weird. Why is everyone these days so thirsty all the time?
My boss got her own coffee. We’re still friends. She is an egalitarian who appreciates those who support her.
You got a point there. I guess I can get into the modern age. It’s amazing how strongly some folks feel about how their coffee gets to their desk.
I was right about one thing though, you all certainly are bringing me up to speed on office manners.
A lot of people are getting cappo machines or buying different types of coffees from Starbucks. Those are the “in” things right now.
>> She is an egalitarian
What does her religion have to do with it??!?
Ha Ha, that’s funny. Speaking of aliens, ever since the economy went to heck we’ve had move domestic students and very few internationals. We used to have 30-40 internationals, but now have 2. The domestic students are having a hard time finding jobs so they are going to grad school. I’ve enjoyed working with this department very much. I never would have thought I would enjoy being around engineering folks. They are a lot of fun.
“I?ve known my boss 18 years. He?s a guy, too. Getting him a coffee is like getting him a beer.”
I’m mixed on this. You have a habit and probably a good job. But I would never get another person coffee unless they were tied to a phone and I inititiated the offer. Other than that, they can kiss my ass and get their own coffee.
Getting coffee is total suck-up!
One of the best parts of my day, was to go through my area, with my empty cup in hand, say hello to everyone, and note who were not yet there; then once I poured my own cup, drop in on the folks who had special deadline assignments and ask how all was going, and whether they needed anything.
Got the day going to prepare for the short management meeting at about 10AM to discuss prime issues, while supporting those with special deadlines with a way to vent.
He's afraid of being accused of sexual discrimination.
Asking a secretary to get coffee is a hot button for feminists. Someone else in the building probably reported it to your boss' boss--"Did you know he's making his secretary bring him coffee?" Your boss got called in and read the sexual discrimination riot act.
A lot of women don't realize the mine-field men have had to negotiate. Do you open the door for a woman or not? Do you compliment her or not? Do you make an off color joke or not? Do you help someone--what, you think I can't do it because I'm a woman--or not?
Stop getting him coffee.
Whatever his reason is, you should respect it. In today’s current lawsuit crazy environment, who knows what anyone is going to sue for next?
He may be the nicest guy in the world, but what if some freaky liberal type claims that his accepting your coffee service is intimidating and thus creates a hostile working environment?
Don’t laugh! It could have been something just like that.
>>Your boss got called in and read the sexual discrimination riot act.
That sounds like a distinct possibility. Common sense is gone. We’ve built a system in which even courtesy has been destroyed.
Thanks all. You’ve helped me sort this out from angles I never imagined.
Did I used to work for you? Just kidding.
“he tries to beat me to the coffee maker to get his own, or hides his cup and I have to ask for it”
What does he have to do, hit you over the head with a 2 x 4?
STOP, repeat STOP giving him coffee. He made it very clear he doesn’t want you to do it.
The reasons can be many, one of which could be people gossiping about possible relationship between him and you (regardless whether you are female or male).
Your intentions may be pure, but you know where the road with good intentions leads.
The fact that you say you have to “ask for it”, after he hides his cup, shows you are overly aggressive, almost obsessive about it.
For everyone’s sake, including for the sake of your boss and your own, STOP giving him coffee.
This may sound a harsh assessment and advice, but this is how it looks to an unbiased outside observer.
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