Message #68744

[Cathy S]

I don't add any personal appointments or reminders in my Boss's calendar - he does them.

Our group of 20 staff celebrate each other's birthday with a card from the group (for 19 of them it is hand made and themed to them - they made me a card last year instead of buying one which was lovely) and we usually have a group coffee with cakes or go for lunch.  My Boss doesn't give me a present for my Birthday nor I for his - we are part of the group and that works for both of us.

I don't remind him of Admin Professional day - I am lucky he acknowledges my contribution during the year which I far prefer to having a special day.

However my Boss and I exchange gifts at Christmas, usually something quite personal - eg last year I had him a notebook made up with featuring a photo that I had taken and he had admired - the book was entitled "X's Doodles" - he doodles extensively and some of them are verging on works of art but he used to doodle on scrap paper or an important memo.  He has taken his doodle book with him on three trips this year, two of them overseas, and is proud to show me the latest contributions on his return, so I think it was well received!

His gift to me was a book on Eco-DIY because he knows I am passionate about refurbishing my old stone cottage with as little environmental impact as possible – most thoughtful.

Cathy