Case Study 2
Case Study 2
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that the fact that Satish was new to the job didn't quite register with him during
the meeting. George admitted that he had made a mistake and asked his
secretary to get Satish report to the room immediately. A perplexed and uneasy
Satish reported to George's room after few minutes.
George looking Satish straight into his eyes said "I have done something which
I should have never even thought of and I want to apologise to you. It is my
mistake that I did not recollect that you were new to the job when I was
questioning you". Satish was left speechless.
George continued "I would like to state few things clearly to you. Your job is to
make sure that people like me and your bosses do not make stupid decisions.
We have good confidence in your abilities and that is why we have brought you
to the Head Office. For everybody, time is required for learning. I will expect
you to know all the nuances of your product in three months time. Until then
you have my complete confidence". George closed the conversation with a big
reassuring handshake with Satish.
Questions:
1. Was it at all necessary for George to apologise to such a junior employee like
Satish?
2. If you were in Satish's place, how would you to respond to George's
apology?
3. Was George correct in saying that Satish is there to correct the "stupid
mistake" of his boss and George?
4. Would you employ George in your company?
5. Did Preet make a mistake by not intervening during the meeting and correct
George's misconception about Satish?
6. As an HR man, how would you define the character of George - bullying but
later regretting? Does his attitude need to be corrected?
7. Would you be happy to have George/Preet as your boss?
Possible solutions:
1. Yes, it was necessary for George to apologise to Satish. Even though Satish is
new to the Head Office and is much junior to George, in order to keep up the
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morale of Satish, George should apologise. This will not only reassure Satish's
attachment towards the company but also motivate him in learning things faster.
2. If I were in Satish's place, I would thank George and promise him to learn
things well within the given time.
3. The word 'stupid mistake' creates confusion. George only meant that Satish
should not make the top-authorities feel that they have made a wrong decision
by promoting Satish. What George wanted was Satish's support. Hence, the
bosses expect Satish to work according to the policy (both written and
unwritten) of the company.
4. Yes, I would employ George in my company. The ability of one to realise his
mistake is truly appreciable especially if he is in a much senior position.
5. Not really. It was alright for Preet to remain quiet during George's talk. But
he made it a point to remind him after the meeting.
6. George is a natural task-oriented leader. He becomes people - oriented only
when stimulated. When he is into a task he does it with full dedication. He is a
trustworthy person. He has to enhance his soft-skills by making himself an
equally task-oriented and people-oriented leader.
7. Yes, I would be happy to have George or Preet as my boss. A general
comment: Satish's boss should have familiarised Satish with the formalities of
the meeting with George.
Conclusion:
When a person goes up in a career ladder, he has to have an overall view of the
people and the processes. He has to understand that it is people who do the
processes. He has to understand the importance of HR Management. At the
same time, he should be uncompromising in the processes and quality. This
would make a leader a class apart.