Originally Posted by
Badenoch
The appropriate choice would be to negotiate the dietary requirements in advance with an explanation. Just keep in mind that your colleagues may not have the same needs and wants. It's never helpful to stand out in the crowd.
High flyers who refuse hotel chain breakfasts with claims of picky eating habits and tender tummies in the belief their employer should pay for breakfast bistros suitable to their refined tastes should never work for government if expenses are subject to freedom of information. The indigestion caused by having your line-by-line spending habits in the media will outweigh the temporary digestive upset of even the worst hotel buffets.
I see it another way. If my company doesn't see it fit that I use my own judgement when it comes to food (or flights, or accommodation - I select my airline / hotels when I travel, there is no chain preference or list to pick from) then why would they see it fit that I use my judgement when it comes to the decisions I make, the costs I incur and the contracts I sign on behalf of the company. It seems absurd that they would not bat an eyelid at my professional decisions which have a heck of a lot more cost implications, but would question my $15 breakfast. Ultimately, if you trust someone to have integrity when it comes to the job, that should extend to other areas of their professional life.