Even Freud admitted that “sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar.”
But I am reminded of something I recently read. I’m afraid my recollection is so hazy as to be quite useless, but just a few weeks ago (in the WSJ) there was a book review which featured a tidbit about someone (a major household name) who is a notable corporate executive (I forget who. Lee Iacocca??). Guy wanted a big raise from the Board of Directors. But he didn’t ask for a raise from the Board of Directors – that’s not how the game is played at that level.
Instead, he arranged to be invited by Bud Selig to a not-quite-private meeting at a restaurant. Rumors immediately flew that the Major Corporate Superstar was in line to become the next Baseball Commissioner. Well, the Board of Directors jumped in to action, begged the guy not to leave and offered a huge raise to the Executive.
He got exactly what he wanted. Didn’t have to negotiate. Didn’t even have to ask. All he did was ask Bud Selig to ask him out to dinner.
That’s how the game is played at the highest level.