Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

What did you get your boss for National Boss’s Day?  As a freelancer, I suppose I should have ordered myself some flowers for my desk, eh?

Did you know that National Boss’s Day is a real, legit holiday, not just something a marketing company cooked up to send us all into the candy, flower, and card shops with a nice big guilt trip?  Yep!  Turns out that there’s a reason for that little notation on the calendar – it’s not just a Hallmark holiday.

Apparently Patricia Bays Haroski, a secretary for State Farm Insurance Company, registered the date back in 1958 in recognition of her boss, who also happened to be her father.  The reason she chose October 16^th for her holiday request?  It was dear ol’ Dad’s birthday.  A few years later Illinois Governor Otto Kerner backed Haroski’s registration of the holiday with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and made it all official. 

If you’re looking for some ideas for the next time Boss’s Day comes around, give these a once-over.

• Have a boss who’s been a great mentor?  Write her a heartfelt note of thanks; mention at least one incidence where she’s been an inspiration to you or really taught you something useful.  No need to brown nose or get all flowery –be concise and genuine. 
• Looking for something for a great team leader?  Consider going in on a group gift that recognizes the boss man’s achievements or favorite hobby.  A monogrammed corkscrew for the wine tasting buff; a subscription to a travel magazine for the person who is always sharing plans for their next big adventure abroad.
• For those of you who are independent contractors working “under” an upline, a simple phone call or email may suffice.  Tell them thanks for having you on their team; wish them a great sales week.  Same goes for those in an office who aren’t particularly close to the management but want to offer some recognition for fun.  Pop your head in the office door and give them a warm smile and a quick “Happy Boss’s Day!” 

For those of you who are small business owners and freelancers, well, send yourself some nice flowers or treat yourself to coffee out of the office.  Speaking of which – I think I need to go grab a Frappucino for myself.  After all, I give myself a great flex-time schedule.  I owe me a Happy Boss’s Day!