I’m a big proponent of connecting with colleagues, both inside my company and outside of it, during lunch. It’s a finite time, we all need to eat, and we can chat about a relevant topic to each of us in that time.
(Photo by Cynthia Price)
However, I have a new approach to lunch, which comes from hearing Polly LaBarre, a founding member of Fast Company and the editorial director of MIX, talk about looking through my “rolodex” and inviting the weirdest or strangest person to lunch once a month.
She was actually referring to Tom Peters, who recommended inviting a weirdo to lunch once a month.
The term weirdo is loosely defined, and the premise is that by inviting someone to lunch who is different from you, you will learn something.
“A person who is equipped with questions and curiosity will attract more attention than the close-minded,” LaBarre said.
So I hope you will view it as a complement if you get a lunch invitation from me.
Cynthia's Communique 
I love this! And I love our lunches! I’d happy be a weirdo!
I know a young lady who was stopped by a homeless person in D.C. asking for money. My friend said that she would not give her money but she would take her to lunch. She takes her to lunch every Wednesday and has done this for years.
Anytime you’re in town, young lady.
Roger,
The next time I am in town I am going to schedule extra time because I would so love to see you!
Cynthia
Ironic you come up with “weird” people. One of my grandsons recently described someone as “weird” and I told him I like weird people, that they’re usually much more interesting than “normal” people.
Humorous ending, Cynthia. I’d love to have lunch with you.
If you attend the conference in Sept., let’s have lunch.