Should you give your boss a gift for Christmas?
Hmm...a bit of a tricky question. By definition, a boss is, above all, the person who hires you and pays your salary, in exchange for what they expect from you professionally. With some exceptions (for example, in a family business), they are not a relative or a friend, even if their attitude towards you may seem paternalistic at times.
On disait autrefois que Christmas constituait la seule occasion de l’année où un employé pouvait donner un gift à son supérieur hiérarchique. Les secrétaires diplomates offraient un cadeau « de couple » à leur patron, si celui-ci était marié. En général, on lui achetait soit un livre d’art, ou un article pratique et élégant pour son bureau, ou encore un article pour le golf ou autre sport dont il est amateur – et seulement si l’on travaillait pour ce patron depuis fort longtemps.
A collective gift
Today, in companies where bosses are appreciated by their employees, they receive a collective Christmas gift. When you're with several people, it's easier to buy a quality gift that truly matches the preferences of the person you want to thank.
Beware of fake gifts
On the other hand, offering an expensive gift to your boss in order to impress him, or to get that promotion you've been wanting for so long, is what we call "fake gifts." Not only are many bosses not fooled by this little trick (and this discovery could have a negative impact on his opinion of you), but you also risk the gesture being noticed by your colleagues and being viewed very badly. The atmosphere at the office could even be affected.
No matter who it is intended for, a true gift must always correspond to a sincere impulse of the heart.
