Dear all,
I would like to share with you a scenario that occurred at my workplace on Friday and seek advice on how to handle it. I had just faxed a document to a client and wanted to confirm receipt with the recipient. All calls are managed through the switchboard, so I went to reception. Our accountant was trying to make a call but appeared frustrated as he couldn't get through. He also needed to leave but couldn't until he completed the call. The receptionist then suggested he pass the phone to me so I could make my call. As soon as I took the phone and was asked to wait for my caller, the accountant began shouting at me, using inappropriate language and making personal remarks about my life as if he knew me well. I remained silent until I finished my call. Afterward, I approached him at reception to inquire about his behavior. He continued using offensive language, which led me to walk away. As I headed to my office, he directed a disrespectful term at me. I initially intended to confront him, but then decided against it and informed my boss instead. Subsequently, the HR executive was informed, and my immediate boss asked me to speak with him. I provided a detailed account of the incident, following which he talked to the accountant. When my boss arrived, the accountant hastily retreated to his office. Later, he entered my office, closed the door, and expressed, "As a leader, I shouldn't have reacted that way. Let's move on and put this behind us." I chose not to respond. My boss departed without discussing the matter further, seemingly uninterested in the events of that day.
I anticipated a discussion today, assuming he might want to address the issue after allowing time for emotions to settle. However, it doesn't appear that he intends to do so. I am unsure about the next steps. I interact with this individual daily, and it seems my boss has dismissed the incident. I am considering drafting a formal complaint addressed to my boss, with copies sent to the HR executive and the accountant, as per the company's code of conduct, deeming such behavior a dismissible offense. Your guidance would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Popo
From Zimbabwe, Harare
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I would like to share with you a scenario that occurred at my workplace on Friday and seek advice on how to handle it. I had just faxed a document to a client and wanted to confirm receipt with the recipient. All calls are managed through the switchboard, so I went to reception. Our accountant was trying to make a call but appeared frustrated as he couldn't get through. He also needed to leave but couldn't until he completed the call. The receptionist then suggested he pass the phone to me so I could make my call. As soon as I took the phone and was asked to wait for my caller, the accountant began shouting at me, using inappropriate language and making personal remarks about my life as if he knew me well. I remained silent until I finished my call. Afterward, I approached him at reception to inquire about his behavior. He continued using offensive language, which led me to walk away. As I headed to my office, he directed a disrespectful term at me. I initially intended to confront him, but then decided against it and informed my boss instead. Subsequently, the HR executive was informed, and my immediate boss asked me to speak with him. I provided a detailed account of the incident, following which he talked to the accountant. When my boss arrived, the accountant hastily retreated to his office. Later, he entered my office, closed the door, and expressed, "As a leader, I shouldn't have reacted that way. Let's move on and put this behind us." I chose not to respond. My boss departed without discussing the matter further, seemingly uninterested in the events of that day.
I anticipated a discussion today, assuming he might want to address the issue after allowing time for emotions to settle. However, it doesn't appear that he intends to do so. I am unsure about the next steps. I interact with this individual daily, and it seems my boss has dismissed the incident. I am considering drafting a formal complaint addressed to my boss, with copies sent to the HR executive and the accountant, as per the company's code of conduct, deeming such behavior a dismissible offense. Your guidance would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Popo
From Zimbabwe, Harare
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Dear Popo,
It is really sad to hear what happened. You should definitely speak to your boss. Don't give it in writing. That accountant should be given some punishment. He just can't be let go with just a sorry.
Tell him to put it in writing. Keep the same for your record just in case that happens again. Your boss should have discussed the matter with you. How can he just go without even a word?
Regards,
Asha
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It is really sad to hear what happened. You should definitely speak to your boss. Don't give it in writing. That accountant should be given some punishment. He just can't be let go with just a sorry.
Tell him to put it in writing. Keep the same for your record just in case that happens again. Your boss should have discussed the matter with you. How can he just go without even a word?
Regards,
Asha
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Hi Popo,
It is unfortunate what happened to you. Your boss should have taken action against him so that he will not repeat it with others. He should definitely be punished for his behavior.
You should talk to your boss again about this issue. As a boss, it is his responsibility to understand your feelings.
Sirisha Reddy
From India, Bangalore
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3It is unfortunate what happened to you. Your boss should have taken action against him so that he will not repeat it with others. He should definitely be punished for his behavior.
You should talk to your boss again about this issue. As a boss, it is his responsibility to understand your feelings.
Sirisha Reddy
From India, Bangalore
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Hello Popo,
I am sorry for what happened to you. You really deserve to be heard, at least by your immediate superior. I believe that there are always two sides to every story.
If you say that there is a code on proper conduct and discipline being followed by your company, then you can at least file a complaint letter or write down the events that have occurred during that time. This way, your side will also be explained.
Good luck to you, and I hope that the same incident will not happen again.
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I am sorry for what happened to you. You really deserve to be heard, at least by your immediate superior. I believe that there are always two sides to every story.
If you say that there is a code on proper conduct and discipline being followed by your company, then you can at least file a complaint letter or write down the events that have occurred during that time. This way, your side will also be explained.
Good luck to you, and I hope that the same incident will not happen again.
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Dear Popo,
What happened to you? It has led to misconduct, and necessary action should be taken against that employee as per the rules laid down by your organization.
I can suggest that you first write a complaint to your boss, copy it to HR. If they are not interested in taking any action, then you can complain to the chairman of the company.
Basant
From India
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What happened to you? It has led to misconduct, and necessary action should be taken against that employee as per the rules laid down by your organization.
I can suggest that you first write a complaint to your boss, copy it to HR. If they are not interested in taking any action, then you can complain to the chairman of the company.
Basant
From India
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