8 Etiquettes Of Gift Giving To Your Boss
Business etiquette “rules” never require you, or any employee, to provide a gift to your employer for any occasion. As a matter of fact, giving an inappropriate gift to your boss can make your boss feel awkward or uncomfortable, alienate colleagues, and even appear as though you are attempting to “buy” your way into your boss’ good graces.
But, if you do really feel motivated to give ( i .e . if you don't your boss will keep it against you -- that is a great sign you might not be working for the right boss ) or perhaps you wish to give your boss a gift, the following rules apply. Listed below are the 8 etiquettes of giving your boss a gift.
Think of a Group Gift First
For birthdays and holidays, you might want to consider giving a team gift rather than a present only from you. That requires pressure off of you as an individual but also let colleagues the opportunity to take part. If someone else is already arranging a team gift, it is best to take part than to provide a gift independent of the group. If your boss gets a team gift from everybody but you, it shows badly on you.
Be Discreet
If you choose to provide a gift on your own, deliver it privately without making a trade show in front of other workers or management. Aiming to “show up” or “out gift” other staff members cause you to look bad and manipulative, so be a team player with regards to both work and gift giving.
The one reasonable exception could be if you and your boss are buddies outside work and you wish to do something a lot more special to acknowledge the personal side of the relationship.
If this is the case, then provide the gift outside the workplace rather than in the office facing others.
Aim to Please – Not Impress
Have the gift plain and sincere, and fairly low-priced, and avoid giving personal products. If you give over-the-top presents, it puts stress on the recipient to respond highly, or even with coming back gesture or gift.
If there is anything, your boss truly would like that is a lot more than $25 go with someone else. Pricey gifts, while they are actually appropriate, are better given ( and received ) if coming from a team.
Never ever Give Cash as a Personal Gift
Cash gifts are not personal presents and deliver the message that it had been last-minute, which you don't care enough to recognize your bosses' preferences or interests. Unless you are providing bonus deals from your company to your workers, never provide money as gifts. A gift card is appropriate to give to your boss, but money is not. So rather than planning to give your boss a certain amount in a form of cash itself, why not give him or her A Gift Card Of One Of The Best Spas that you know.
One more reason to never give your boss cash is the fact that small amounts seem insignificant and obligatory and big amounts seem gratuitous or may appear that you are wanting into your employer's good graces. Don't let that upcoming promotion be clouded with office gossip that your big money gift was the reason you got promoted.
Do Not Offer Promises or I .O .U.s
Never give favors, offers to take your boss privately to lunch or dinner, or 'IOUs' as gifts. If you have nothing tangible to offer but want to make a pleasant gesture, give your boss a greeting card with a pleasant note ( best of all, have your co-workers sign the card, too). Keep in mind that your employer might have power over you at work, but they are still human.
People like to be appreciated for the appropriate reasons -- even your boss -- instead of because it was required.
Give Honestly and Without Expectation
Always give a gift without anticipating something in return – including a gift, promotion, or increase!
Business Gifts Etiquette Tips
Never “brag” to other people at work about a present that you gave to your boss, if your boss does not appear to appreciate the gift, or does not provide you with something in exchange never bad mouth your boss to colleagues. If you give anybody a gift ( including your boss ) with the hopefulness of getting something back, it was presented for the wrong reason.
Closing Thoughts
The bottom line to be aware of is the fact giving gifts should be focused on the receiver and not on the giver. A gift presented with the right intention will always better receive compared to one given under duress or for the benefit of getting something in return.