What didn't work

This post comes from a suggestion by our colleague M. Baloyi. He suggested that some of us UBS "ancestors" might share our experiences with some of the younger TOs and thus help then avoid making the same mistakes they have made.

I invite anyone to share their experiences in the comment thread, and will "prime the pump" with this first story:

 When I first joined the UBS, I used to visit the general secretaries of national Bible Societies before heading up-country to visit their translation projects or stopping by on my way home to report on the projects I had just visited. In one particular case, the GS seemed uninvolved and disinterested in the projects in his country to the point that it seemed to me a waste of time to even stop by and visit. He would read his mail or answer the phone while I was reporting to him on project visits, for example, or even get up and leave the room while I was still talking. Finally I stopped going by the office, and merely sent him my reports by email. He did not seem to mind, and I was relieved to be able to get on with my work without having to waste my time.

But later I found out he had been deeply offended by my not stopping by the BS office, and I had to work hard to repair the relationship so as not to be dis-invited from visiting his country. I had misunderstood what I represented to him (a prestigious visitor), and how important it was for him that I stop by and pay my respects to him either entering or leaving his country. I had thought it important only to cultivate relationships with those who I perceived could help me and the work to which I was committed, but I learned it was just as important to make sure not to offend those who could hurt me and my commitments as well.

Other stories of what didn't work are welcome in the comment thread.