A few days ago I met a new connection in the business world. Excited, I brought a few gifts to share my appreciation of his time and generosity.
Our meeting was quick, lunch and out. He too, brought gifts, books that he’d written.
Later in conversations, I learned that the books were a way of making him stand out, be remembered and call for future business.
Immediately, the generosity that I hope, was displaced.
A gift is a cultural artefact. It can curry favours or help you stand out. There are tribes that employ aggressive gifting to show power.
How and why you decide to gift is up to you.
Maybe I would call him for future business, but have nothing to do with the gifts he gave.
