newbuzz...My work group had a lunchtime barbecue yesterday. We had ribs, coleslaw, potato salad, watermelon, homemade desserts and party drinks with little umbrellas. The food was delicious and the opportunity to mingle and visit with our co-workers was delightful. Though I was in a downtown city setting, with an employer of more than two thousand workers, I was struck with how much this event felt like picnics with my former employer of two hundred workers in a small town of less than five thousand. People are the same everywhere. We like to eat, we like to visit, we like to feel we are a part of something. When these components are combined in the workplace, it is a win, win situation for employer and employee. Never underestimate the power of the simple pleasures. Good food and good conversation build good will and strengthen friendship bonds.