Anywho, I digress …

Ah, Morning Bun. How I love you.

I walked into Palo Alto this afternoon to get a cup of coffee and a Morning Bun at Starbucks.  I like to sit and do my knitting.  I am often disappointed on the Morning Bun front – they stopped stocking them for a while and they have only recently returned.  I asked the store manager why and he said that they like to “Change it up to keep it fresh and sales moving”.  Perhaps they should call them “Afternoon Buns” after midday to encourage sales?

Anywho, I digress …

I got my coffee and bun, but there was nowhere to sit.  I shuffled off to Borders where there are always places to sit outside.  I settled in only to discover that the two guys at the next table were having a business meeting.  In a nutshell, the boss was telling his employee that his performance did not meet the standard and he had better buck up.  I felt sorry for the employee having to endure such a personal lecture in a public place – with me as the reluctant audience.  I finished my bun and shuffled back to Starbucks.

By now, there was a free seat.  I sat down and got my knitting out.  Lo and behold, two guys sat at the next table and guess what?  Different guys but the same conversation as Borders.  As a manager, I would never, ever have a performance discussion in a public place.  It is unprofessional and humiliating.

I packed up my knitting and headed out.  As I passed the two guys, I slowed down and spoke to the Boss.

Me: “Excuse me, but I really think a coffee shop  is an inappropriate place for your discussion. You would be better off in a meeting room with the door closed.”

Unprofessional Boss: <Blushing> “Thank you.”

Humiliated Employee: <Astonished>

Good grief!

Lisa.