Professional Development: Creative 'Capers' Can Help Build Internal Relationships

A mysterious package of San Diego Chargers gear arrived at Goodwin Procter's Boston office (its largest) in January 2008 with a spirited message claiming the Chargers were going to end the New England Patriots' undefeated 17-0 season in the teams' upcoming game. Goodwin Procter's Managing Partner, Regina Pisa, responded in a firmwide e-mail pledging to proudly display the gear in her office if the Patriots lost, but vowing to go to San Diego with a giant vat of clam chowder if New England won. The San Diego office chair pledged that, in turn, his office would don Patriots garb (including face paint) if the Patriots prevailed. On one level, this was a diverting exchange for all, lightening the monotony of January days. But it was also an effort by the San Diego office ' the firm's newest, and smallest location ' to raise its collective profile. This sort of outreach helped remind the firm that the San Diego office was there ' just an e-mail away ' and that they were a likeable group. The follow-up photo of the San Diego employees in Patriots gear (including face paint!) created a memorable impression.