by George Leard

Created on: December 30, 2010

Should you accept unwanted holiday gifts gracefully or be brutally honest?

Holiday Gifts, although not needed should be accepted gracefully due to the spirit of the time, and the fact that later uses may be found for them.

 Rejecting gifts from persons who are well meaning in their intentions, can be seen as insulting, and can lead to the cessation of future personal and business relationships.

Companies that are treated in this way, may interpret such treatment as a way of saying their businesses were not appreciated and respected throughout the year, and may then decide to take it to other companies, thereby generating losses in future revenue.

 To reject gifts given in this manner, may also reflect a level of arrogance that may have consequences that are far beyond the decisions made, as relationship is the key for success, especially from a marketing perspective, where feedback is a key factor in many companies developing appropriate relevant strategies to keep their businesses afloat.

 A failure to get true performance reflections from vital customers, due to lack of cooperation can result in poor quality information are used to formulate strategies, and inappropriate strategies can lead to lower sales,  as well as losses in market shares

 On a personal level it can also be costly to be brutally honest and reject gifts from friends and associates, because they can feel slighted, and change their future behaviors, and in times of crises may deliberately avoid giving much needed moral support.

 The giving and receiving of during holidays may come as result of the bonds of friendship that have developed during the year, and it is critical that they be maintained for future rewarding interactions. Breaking them by rejecting gifts may also be seen as selfish, proud and anti-social, and once these impressions are transmitted to friends, families, and business associates; serious damage control may have to be done to reverse the negative trends.

 It is therefore crucial that persons realize that their actions towards those who are generous enough to send those gifts should be one of care, empathy, concern and being responsible. Their thinking should go beyond personal feelings, ego, individualism, self sufficiency, and pride, and points to respect and appreciation for all parties involve in both the social and business environment.

  In certain cultures like the Chinese and Japanese, the giving and receiving of gifts

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