How Would You Handle Accepting a Job Offer When Your Future Boss Was in a Recent Altercation with You?

One of my friends was seriously looking for a job, and one day he went for an interview. Unfortunately, a car hit his bike from the backside, causing him to fall and sustain minor injuries. An argument ensued with the person in the car, leading to a fight. However, public interference resolved the situation, and both parties went their separate ways. As a result of the incident, his interview with that company was rescheduled for another day.

Despite the setback, he arrived for the rescheduled interview with hope and successfully cleared the first two rounds. The third round, conducted by the Head of HR and the Operations Manager, presented an unexpected challenge as the Operations Manager turned out to be the same individual he had the altercation with earlier. Despite this awkward situation, he managed to face the round with confidence.

To add to his surprise, he received the news of being selected for the position and even received an offer letter after a brief wait. However, he now faces a dilemma of whether to accept the job offer as the same individual from the car incident will be his boss.

Please provide your advice on how he should proceed in this situation.

Regards

According to my opinion, he can join because he is selected based on his capability. The second situation, in which he met with an accident with a car, and the person involved is his boss, is unimaginable. Don't base your career decisions on such unimaginable acts. I hope you understand and can guide your friend.

Regards,
Dev

What happens outside his professional life is their personal matter, whether they fight or do whatever they want. The most important part of this whole matter is that the same guy selected him for the job, whatever that means—whether he saw some capability in him or selected him to take revenge. The bottom line is that your friend desperately needs the job, so he must join. He has the capability; that's why he was selected, and he can prove himself under any condition.

All the best...

There is no harm in joining that company if he is selected, as one should never combine personal life with professional life. I don't think there is any negative thinking in the mind of that "Boss" either; otherwise, he could have rejected him in the final round for any reason. So, don't be afraid of anything and suggest your friend join the company as soon as possible.

In my opinion, this is the best place to work. Why? Because his selection by the operation manager proves him to be a stable-headed and genuine boss. As a manager, he has the quality to keep personal and professional things separate. Such a boss would never be a hurdle in the career of a team member, no matter what comes.

We often have disagreements with our near and dear ones, but we tend to forget them in time. So why should a small conflict with a stranger influence one's career decision? If your friend is satisfied with other aspects of the offer, such as the package, profile, and the company, he should choose it without hesitation. A small apology while accepting the offer can resolve any misunderstandings.

Thank you.

He should opt for the job because it is based on his capabilities, and the situation was different for fighting.

What I presume is that he should try to avoid this offer if he already has a job and can manage with his current one. Taking a risk is worthwhile if it brings benefits, but at times it may have a negative impact in this case.

I am in strong disagreement with Mr. Dev. In my opinion, he can join because he was selected based on his capability. He was chosen by a panel, not by an individual—perhaps the incident was undisclosed.

In the second situation, the fact that he had an accident with a car involving his boss is unimaginable. The person is heading the operations, so it is confirmed that he will report to him only.

Don't base your career decisions on unimaginable acts; I hope you understand and can guide your friend. It's a career decision, not a joke. He will be the only one to suffer if he leaves his current job, and the new organization may react negatively after he joins.

Chill HR!!

It is a good plot for a Bollywood movie, isn't it? Just kidding... Nevertheless, I understand for your friend it is a crucial and critical decision. I opine he should proceed and accept this offer. He was selected because the entire recruitment process was conducted in a professional manner, wherein your friend scored based on his knowledge. Ideally, if the person (who obviously holds a senior position in the company) wanted, he could have influenced the decision-making and steered the decision as revenge. But just like all mature professionals do, he selected your friend based on his interview performance.

Please rest your fears and those of your friend, and encourage him to join this company if all other factors (salary, benefits, career growth, company) suit him fine.

- Gia

I agree with Hiral, Dev, and others. I also don't think there is anything wrong because if there was, or like your friend is worried about, he would not have been selected and offered a job. But he got it, which implies that the guy is not just a Head of the department but also a good professional who does not let other things interfere with work. That is really commendable, I would say, and like Hiral said, "this is the best place to work," I believe that too.

"He must join them."

Your query also indicates that he (your friend) was confident during his interview, cleared two rounds, and was hoping to get a chance to work with them. I would suggest you ask your friend to join them immediately and forget the past. We understand the concern, but he also needs to be aware that he is skilled, experienced, and has qualifications that meet the employer's requirements, and he got a fair chance to work with them.

Second, can you please ask your friend and let us know if he noticed anything like being criticized or facing any difficulties during his interview with the Head of HR and Manager of Operations? Has he experienced any frustration from his head that made him worried, or is it just a concern because of that accident?

Third, why doesn't he take this as a positive thing? Perhaps he has impressed his boss with his qualifications and experience and got a fair chance. Think about it and also help your friend realize this.

Regards,

He should speak to the manager about the incident, apologize, and see how he feels about it. Many times, quarrels are the start of a great friendship—in this case, it could be a great working relationship. But it would be best to gauge that after talking to the manager.

Regards,
Sid

Understanding Human Nature and Moving Forward

No one remembers bad things for long. It's human nature; time heals.

Understand from his other team members his style of functioning. This boy should personally meet him before joining, apologize if necessary for that day based on how the events take shape, and just join. That's all.

Dear Fraternity,

Please introspect, and you will find that most of our true friendships start with a quarrel or arguments with a stranger. In this case, I see a point that despite him (Operation Manager) being on the interview panel, he did not object to his selection (maybe he is so shrewd to take a bigger revenge than blocking his selection!), so genuinely, he wants him to be part of his team. Now, from the candidate's point of view, if he is desperate for the job, then he has nothing to lose, so let him join and prove the point that most of the true friendships start with arguments/quarrels.

Regards,
Shivrayan

The Best Place to Work: A Personal Perspective

In my opinion, this is the best place to work. Why? Because his selection by the operation manager proves him to be a stable-headed and genuine boss. As a manager, he has the quality to keep personal and professional matters separate. Such a boss would never be a hindrance in the career of a team member, no matter what happens.

We often have disagreements with our loved ones, but we tend to forget them after some time. So why should a minor conflict with a stranger influence one's career decision? If your friend is satisfied with other aspects of the offer, such as the package, profile, and company, he should choose it without hesitation. A simple apology while accepting the offer can resolve any misunderstandings.

I fully agree with Mr. Hiral Mehta and recommend that the selected person join immediately without harboring any negative feelings towards his new boss.

Regards,
B. Sreenivas

These past few days have been very strange. A few days ago, I was also hit by a car when I was returning home. I got very angry and abused the driver. The boss was sitting behind and, after assessing the situation, he came out. He appeared to be a big shot, but I also abused him in my anger. However, since they were at fault, they apologized, and we settled down and went our separate ways.

Later, on my way back home, I thought that the guy seemed decent and possibly held a good position in an organization. I began to wonder what would happen if, in the future, I went for an interview and he turned out to be the interviewer. If I got selected, would I join the company or not?

After a long session of self-reflection, I concluded that if I am mentally strong, have a positive mindset, and focus on my goals, I would join the company.

Reasons for Joining the Company

The reason behind this decision is that nowadays, companies, whether national or multinational, are paying more attention to their employees, their motivation, and ethical standards. Gone are the days when profit was the only goal.

In my opinion, your friend can join the company. Before joining, a brief conversation with the boss might help both parties clear any lingering resentment.

Ultimately, the final decision rests with your friend.

Regards.

Professional life and personal life are different. Take an appointment with your new boss and apologize to him. Observe his attitude and actions. He may forget everything and support you in your career if you are capable of the position. The rest is up to you.

Best regards,
John

Considering the Risks of Accepting the Job Offer

It is not advisable to join, even if we assume that the manager behaved professionally, selected him, and separated his professional and personal life. But after joining, how can anyone assure that the manager will not have second thoughts about your friend? Even for small mistakes or a minor argument by your friend in explaining his job-related tasks, it may lead the manager to think, "After all, he is the person who fought with me earlier."

Even if he were selected, we cannot assure how long he can continue there. Where is the assurance that your friend will not face another incident with the manager in the office, like the car incident? Why take a risk in his career? This is purely my opinion.

Thank you for your valuable time and your views. After much consideration from every possible angle and with the help of your advice, I advised him to join the company due to its professional approach and the panel. I also had him read all the suggestions from you experts for a better understanding. He is convinced and looking forward to accepting the adventurous challenge of the job, which will be a great experience for him.

Once again, thank you for your valuable and timely responses.

Regards, Chill HR

Dear Member, You have narrated a very peculiar situation involving your friend. He should not put himself into a dilemma unnecessarily and should opt to join the company without putting so much pressure on his mind. It's admirable that the person, despite knowing the past incident, selected your friend for the position. Consider that this was an accident and not a deliberate act on either part. One possibility may be that the individual has not recognized your friend or has forgotten the incident. If during the interview or thereafter he has not mentioned anything about the accident, it clearly shows that he doesn't want to recall the incident, being a professional of high ranking.

Advise your friend to join the company and remove all kinds of fear of being victimized later on. As professionals, we may disagree on certain matters and argue vehemently to maintain our own points of view, but that does not mean one should hold a grudge against someone opposing their perspective. This is all part of life that one encounters almost every day in day-to-day work.

Best regards,
BS Kalsi
New Member

Dear Friend,

Your friend is currently without a job. In my opinion, he should consider seizing this opportunity at this point in time. If he later discovers any negativity in the person involved, he can then reconsider his options for other job opportunities or approach senior management. It's always preferable to have something rather than nothing.

Thank you.

In my opinion, he shouldn't join the company as his boss has set a trap to harm his career. He may be chosen based on his capability, but the truth is always unexpected.

I think he must join ASAP. Keep personal and professional life separate, and behave professionally while he is on the job. 

Is there anything else you would like me to review or correct for you?

In my opinion, I believe your friend should join this company as he has been selected for his skills and capabilities. As for the accident, it was a coincidence, so there's no need to worry about it. Guide your friend to dismiss any doubts and offer support and encouragement for them to join the organization.

I cannot agree with your opinion. There is a saying, "Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors." If you are saying that it is a trap, then one can only learn how to get out of the trap by getting into it. How can you guarantee that future bosses will be as good as someone expects?

Piyushraj22 stated, "In my opinion, he shouldn't join the company as his boss has set a trap to harm his career. He may be chosen based on his capability, but the truth is always unexpected."

The case you have mentioned shows two aspects of human nature, one positive and the other negative. On one side, forgetting the mistakes of others, and on the other, living with one's own guilt. You see, your friend was given another chance by that company, which means, with the consent of the Operations Manager. Most probably, if a photograph was pasted on the resume, the Operations Manager must be aware of the fact that this person is the one who had fought with him. Your friend must be feeling guilty as he may be aware that the accident was due to his fault, or the fight was due to him. Anyway, just tell him that these types of incidents occur in rage, and one should not maintain accounts of such minor matters.

So, I feel your friend should respect that person for his professional attitude due to which he selected your friend. Without any second thought, he should accept the offer and must learn a lesson of not fighting on the road, as these fights are just meaningless and do not resolve any issues.

Lastly, your friend should not worry about the boss and should understand that if he gives good performance, this type of boss will be the best person to help him build his career. Tell him to think positively, apologize for his behavior on that day, forget everything of the past, and look for a great career in this company. The most important lesson to learn is never to fight with strangers, as it can have really dangerous after-effects.

I feel he must weigh the risk versus compensation and career prospects. It seems the Operations Manager is a professional looking for competency above personal squabble. It is also possible he found your friend's negotiating skills useful for the job. Join the company and on the first day apologize to him and thank him for selecting you. Anyhow, he can win the situation with his skill and competency.

I agree with you guys. I'm adding my opinion that this is the best place to work because you are selected by the panel, not directly by your potential boss. Secondly, there must be other seniors as well whom you can contact if he is not behaving positively towards you. Thirdly, as a person, he may understand that it was his fault, not yours. So, keep personal and professional matters separate.

However, first, ask your friend to forget all the incidents. Otherwise, he will start blaming his boss for everything, and in this situation, he will not be able to justify himself or the organization.

Regards,
Ram Chauhan