I have an entry level position and I want to spend time with someone in management and pick her brain. I thought I'd invite her to "do lunch" and talk about her work, etc. Keep in mind this is a professional thing, and not a date or anything like that. Am I expected to pay, or is the bill split? Thanks! (we work at a radio station)
2006-10-24 09:07:41 · 31 answers · asked by Zloar 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Since you are the one who will be asking her to join you for lunch, and since you are hoping to benefit from the luncheon, you should be the one to pay. At least, offer to do so. She may not accept - sometimes management has rules about fraternization among the troops, and if she is in a position of responsibility over you -- for example, if she evaluates your performance -- it wouldn't be a good idea, for obvious reasons. The other possibility is that she might prefer to have a lunch hour that gives her a break from her work. Ask if you could schedule an appointment during the day, then you can be very professional about it, come up with a succinct and precise set of questions, without seeming to be brown nosing.
It's a funny thing about radio folk -- they are usually very willing to help a newcomer, but they don't want anyone to appear beholden to them. And they do tend to have strong personalities, which means they like to do things their way. So why not just tell her what you have in mind and ask her what would work best -- going to lunch, setting up an appointment or whatever alternative she might recommend.
good luck to you.
2006-10-24 09:21:27 · answer #1 · answered by old lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why not offer to go take a walk to get coffee instead. That way you can walk and talk and you can pay without worrying about it too much or getting back to work before the lunch hour is over. Just have specific questions in mind so she doesn't feel like she is in a long interview and start questioning whether you are eyeing her position.
She can't give you all the secrets to her success but a walk for coffee will be just enough time for ou to soak up some specific advice on things you are wondering about.
2006-10-24 09:15:23 · answer #2 · answered by red_shoes_lady 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
To clarify, I would pay THIS time, because you are asking her to share information, but it is absolutely not a rule that you pay if you invite. I have never invited or been invited to lunch with a coworker and the inviter be expected to pay. Being invited by upper management is different, THEY should pay.
2006-10-24 09:22:24 · answer #3 · answered by mickeyg1958 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its important to say that paying for a meal does not mean that you have romantic feelings for her, nor should it be accepted that way. If you are asking her for knowledge, something she doesnt have to share with you, I think it would be gracious of you to offer to pay...I dont know her so it would be difficult to say that you would be "expected"...but I think out of gratitude it would be kind to at least offer....rule of thumb however is usually whomever does the asking does the buying unless it is said before that its gonna be a dutch situation....Good Luck hope it provides the answers your looking for.
2006-10-24 09:19:56 · answer #4 · answered by shanstew 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd say you pay. Just tell her you'd like to take her out to lunch, your treat, and talk about work. If money is the issue, you pick the establishment so you'll know what it's going to cost.
2006-10-24 09:16:30 · answer #5 · answered by Kathleen M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You invited, you offer to pay. Unless you start regularly both wanting to go to lunch together- then you two can just get seperate bills.
2006-10-24 09:15:48 · answer #6 · answered by Hot Mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd be surprised if she agrees to go out with you, to be honest, but you never know, she might admire your chutzpah! You should pay the bill as you invited her and want to pick her brains; however, if she says she'll pay, refuse; if she persists, suggest you split it, and if she still persists, then be gracious and let her pay.
2006-10-24 09:17:29 · answer #7 · answered by pompeii 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Lets say you invited someone to lunch you'd be the one to pay since you invited them unless before hand you guys said youll go half and half or something.
2006-10-24 09:09:32 · answer #8 · answered by joker_2oo6 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are inviting someone to lunch then you pay the bill, especially if you are going to pick their brain.
2006-10-24 09:10:15 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you invite someone to lunch and say "I'd like to take you out for lunch" you pay, if you say "Do you want to go for lunch?" you should go dutch. Just because you ask someone to go for lunch, doesn't mean you're expected to pay.
2006-10-24 09:33:20 · answer #10 · answered by sandy_in_bc 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋