While dining out last week I heard the most curious exchange between two apparently well compensated executives. The check came to the table and one executive grabbed for the check with vigor and gusto and at the same time his business mate grabbed at the check with the speed of a tortoise. The tortoise executive was obviously unsuccessful at getting the check into his possession.

The tortoise executive then insisted that the check be split between both of them. You will love what happened next. The executive in possession of the check, in a horrified and irritated voice said, "there is something very wrong, if I cant pick up a  check this small."

I had all I could do, to keep myself composed. I wanted to burst into gales of laughter.

We have all been there. The dining out experiences, where the check is left on the middle of the table for too long  before someone claims it, only to have a tortoise, fake out the check pick-up. Or the tortoise waits for the check to be picked up and the offers to pay the tip.

Hmmm, if you can carry the piano, you might as well carry the stool.

If you are a tortoise, you are not fooling anyone, so be a host and pick up a check. If you are the executive always getting stuck with the check, it may be time  …to check your mates.

Coach Kathleen

 Leave a Comment