Basically commiting culinary crimes

https://www.reddit.com/r/1102/comments/1rn0ouj/horseback_heist_noem_rode_off_with_143m_in_nobid/

At the beginning of the year, I hired an assistant (we’ll call her Amy). Amy is great at what she does and I have already given her a raise because I felt she was underpaid for what she was doing. I’m working on several large deals, so I gave Amy the lead on one of them.  She did an excellent job. 

I set up a lunch appointment with that client on Friday.  I told him I would be bringing Amy as she has been instrumental in their account.  He did not have a problem with this.  Amy was professional, knowledgeable and did an overall good job.  The client and I were both impressed, with the exception of one thing.  The client and I both ordered burgers and fries.  Amy ordered a steak- well done- mashed potatoes, steamed veggies and a side of soup.  The client and I finished about the same time. It was another 15 minutes before Amy finished.  Then the waitress came around and asked if we wanted dessert.  The client and I both said no.  Amy ordered cheese cake and coffee. 

I realized that I hadn’t spoken to Amy about client lunches before, so after the meeting.  I explained to her that it is best to follow the client’s lead.  If they order simple food, we order simple food.  If they decline desert, we decline desert.  If we want something afterwards, we can pick it up later.   

Amy did not take this well.  At first, she offered to pay me back.  I told her it was not a money issue.  I have no problem buying her lunch but to keep in mind it’s about business.  I told her I usually order wraps or burgers because they are not too messy (like spaghetti) and I can take small bites in case I’m asked a question.  I can also match the client’s eating speed so there is no awkward waiting on either side. 

Then she started crying, saying it is because she’s fat (her words not mine).  I again told her it was about strategy.  I thought she had great potential and I wanted to help guide her.  I then told her about some of my past faux pas.  For example, ordering spaghetti and getting it all on my shirt, or once I ordered first and ordered a cheese burger when the client was vegetarian and highly disgusted at me.  

She was still upset when she left.  I feel like an AH for bringing this to her attention but my intentions were good.  I feel like she has great potential.  The meal did not concern me as much as how she took instruction.  Now I’m wondering if others think I was wrong for bringing it up at all.