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The good office organised a High Tea getogether for all its staff. Over the last week, I’ve been receiving a string of emails requesting for confirmation on my attendance. Being a little tight on time, I’ve more or less ignored them, one after the other. As it turns out, I burried that last nasty bug I’ve been trying to catch which coincided perfectly with the tea break.

Its impressive how many people you can squeeze into a small conference room. The entire office, or at least the majority of them were in attendance; about a hundred of us. Among other things, there was nasi lemak, mee siam, currypuffs, fried popiahs, sardine puffs, traditional cakes, fruits, ice cream, a cheese cake and a coffee cake from Secret Recipe, tidbits and chips, fruits, and of course the standard issue of drinks. My team were fortunate to get in and get out before the crowd arrived. Talk about hit and run. I’m now full and a little light headed from the comfort food. I think I can safely skip dinner without dying of starvation.

They are planning to have this once fortnightly. That’s actually not a bad idea. Being new to the team and the company, I took the opportunity to mingle and get to know people. Its amazing what you get to see and observe in a relaxed environment. Everyone was eating, laughing, and having a good time. All on the office clock, I might add. Not exactly very productive but it is a great ice breaker and promotes healthier relationships between colleagues. The more you socialise, the more approachable the person becomes to you and that ultimately leads to better communications between departments. Or at least that’s the ideal outcome.

Of Food And Meetings
During one of the conversations, a colleague of mine spoke of his previous company where they had food during weekly team meetings. He mentioned that the attendance actually dropped when there was no food to be had. While he said it in jest and we had a good laugh, it gave me food for thought. Are Malaysians led by their stomachs? Is it just a Malaysian thiing, or does it happen the world over?

Malaysians have always been exposed to a multitude of flavours and are always spoilt for choice. There is little fear of hunger. So long as you are mobile, you can find food at almost every civilised nook and cranny of the country. From highways to byways, they are always there, ready to sooth your growling tummy. While this love for food may not always be healthy, it is a commonality shared by most Malaysians and is often what brings people together.

While food may be neutral, it often plays an instrumental role in the outcomes of numerous engagements. How many deals have been closed over a meal when all else fails? How many ideas have been shared and blossomed during late night coffee sesssions which would have otherwise remained dormant in the minds of individuals? How much information has been gleened or stolen and corporate espionage commited over a friendly lunch? Those who know how, use it as a tool and a means to get what they want. The innocent and naive often fall prey.

Lets Do Lunch…
Which is why it is sometimes good to be wary of a person who asks you out to lunch. The saying that there’s no such thing as a free meal holds true. While most are innocent social gestures, there are those with heavy underlying connotations and hidden agendas. I’ve had the privilege and misfortune to be part of several meal deals. Nowadays, the alarm goes off when an acquaintance asks me out for a meal.

It is said that man is at his weakest when they are full. While some may wave this off as myth, it is scientifically true. When a person’s is full, they are more susceptive and vulnerable. A well fed stomach weakens the mind as flood drains from the brain and dulls the senses. How many times have you had a full meal and felt sleepy and lethargic afterwards? You are no longer as alert as you could otherwise be and that may be all the opening that is needed for an unfavourable deal to be struck.

I’ve fallen asleep twice now since sitting down to this post after the heavy tea break. It goes to prove the fact that food and clarity of mind do not mix well. While I welcome the food and the expansion of my social circle at work, I foresee that this happening fortnightly may pose a problem. The fact that it threatens to pack on the pounds just makes it worse.

In parting, before we go about spouting the words, “Eat, drink, and be merry…”, do remember that the words that follow are, “… for tomorrow we die”. So yes. Do eat, drink and make merry the good days. But keep in mind that things are not always as they seem and there might be repercussions later on.