No Good Deed ...

Always aim to do things the "right" way, with integrity. Look for a fair outcome for both parties. It's just business, nothing personal, but treat it as if it were personal and you had to look the other party in the eye every day. Not the Godfather interpretation.

Yesterday marked the conclusion of a negotiation that had started maybe eight months ago. Much effort, analysis, discussion, bargaining on the part of two worthy counterparties. Agreement to settle reached, approved, signed, done. Put this one in the "W" column, all agreed.

Been there done that ... except, for the first (maybe the last) time, the counterparty sent a note to Dear Me:

Thanks for guiding me through the process. You were both professional and courteous performing quite a unique job. If you ever need a professional reference, please ask.

Well blow me away. Mentioned it during a team meeting a few hours later. Guess?

Just keep such things to yourself. Mona Lisa smile.