Quid Pro Quo

Quid Pro Quo

The first few times I heard Quid Pro Quo, I [wrongly] tagged it as part of the legal parlance.  Realizing that it is one of those 'REALITIES in LIFE, why DON'T we talk about it for today's piece.  Quid Pro Quo per se is good, legal and legitimate BUT here's the catch.  As long as there is GOOD FAITH and the intentions are morally and legally compliant.  Otherwise, it is ifffffy.

And while we can use this particular Latin Quid Pro Quo phrase anytime, when used in the workplace, it usually involves allegations hovering around harassment [and when it involves women, sexual harassment is not far fetched to happen].  But the tougher challenge is how the innocent protagonists can prove Quid Pro Quo as harassment?  Quite simple here.  When sexual favors get either expressed or implied, that discussion is threading really dangerous grounds.   And the pitiful scenario is when the offended party's reaction to such unwelcome advances would negatively impact pecuniary considerations.

A common question is:  are THREATS enough to prove Quid Pro Quo harassment?  Quite easy.  The person has to simply prove that his/her reaction to such offensive overtures negatively impacted his/her employment in some way.  So what's the fix?  Companies must create and maintain a written EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY.

Literally, Quid Pro Quo is akin to SOMETHING for SOMETHING.  But in reality, instead of the QUID you asked for, you end up with the QUO.  It sounds harmless enough but it could lead to problems.  Years back when Ukrainian President Zelensky picked up the phone to talk to then U.S. President Donald Trump, the latter insisted there was no pressure but Zelensky did ask for a favor.  There you go, Quid Pro Quo

Too bad the digital devices have not tweaked the keyboard with GIVE & TAKE because that exactly is the digital equivalent of Quid Pro Quo.  Generally though, people DON'T attach strings to the favors they do for family.  But the further people get outside, the more complicated the favor becomes, even between peers.  At times, people may not even realize their own expectations for reciprocity.  And it gets infinitely 'messier' when there's 'POWER DYNAMICS' at play.  So, where Quid Pro Quo is into play, always ask ourselves: "AM I REALLY GETTNG THE SOMETHING OF EQUAL VALUE OR AM I BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGED❓❓❓

MAKE SURE You Add a Cherry on Top !

MAKE SURE You Add a Cherry on Top !

Prior to this pandemic, every add-on you wanted means you got to fork more $$$.  With more than a year with this pandemic when businesses are severely hit, businessmen have become innovative in their come-ons.  Those milk teas ?  They will now offer Xtra pearls for free ?  Other add-ons, you can get it for a song.  Why things can become this so enticing ? 

It's because it's 'crunch time', man.  During the hard, difficult times, things get tighter, roads get narrower, belts need to be tightened, loose ends need to be tied up.  And if you need to take risk to recoup the lost financial opportunities, you won't think twice to throw your lot.  And if someone offers you an opportunity based on a contract that, even on paper, looks so onerous, surely you would grab it without the slightest alacrity.  Humans behave exactly that way.  When you are in dire straits, all you want is to survive.

And since you've got fuel in your tank, that's all that is left on your deck of cards and if you have to ace things up, surely you're willing to empty the tank if it leads you for a homerun.  That's the QUID PRO QUO, that give and take in life.

In real life, a QUID PRO QUO is simply a give and take.  I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine.  I'll part off with whatever is left in my pockets if I can expect something in return.  And that's fine.  And that's ethical and morally correct as well especially when you're in SURVIVAL mode.  And getting into this nerve-wracking pandemic when anxiety and mental health is getting into our skin, if it takes to GIVE and TAKE, go for it.  Sure, I can scratch your back as long as you scratch mine too.  When it is survival time, if you have to be shrewd, so be it.

When things become dicey, kinda go for broke, that's when all hell will break lose.  Those will be the trying times that will separate the men from the boys and for the men left still eking it out, it will be the last man standing.  And even in a worst case scenario, you end up with a fumbling act, that's just fine because you will end up fighting with your teeth down to the very buzzer of the game with your head unbowed. ✅✅✅