Is It Fair for My CEO to Claim the iPod I Won at a Conference? Should I Stay?

Hi friends,

I am here after a very long time and I need clarification on this:

I have recently taken up a job in a recruitment firm, a startup company. I am involved in operations, business development, recruitment, etc. Very recently, I received an invitation to a recruiters' conference, so I brought it up to my CEO and mentioned that it would be very useful to build our brand and attract more clients. He agreed to pay the registration fee of $1250 per head. My CEO and another staff member accompanied me to the conference. During the event, we were asked to drop our business cards into a bowl for a lucky draw to win an iPod. Everyone, including my CEO and the other staff member, put their cards in. By luck, I won the iPod at the end of the day.

The next day, the CEO contacted me and stated that the iPod belonged to the company. Initially taken aback, I promptly handed it over to him without a second thought. However, he later called me again and said I could keep the iPod, but he would deduct the $1250 from my salary. I informed him that I would not compromise my self-respect by accepting that, but if necessary, he could deduct the $1250 from my salary.

Now, my concern is, "Was I wrong in any way, and is it worth staying with this kind of organization?" Please guide me.

Raj

Dear Mr. Raj,

I support you. This is absolutely unfair if your manager has already committed to paying the participation fees. You need to rethink your decision to quit the company based on this incident. Consider your growth path within the organization and whether you are satisfied with your current job role.

I believe you work for an organization, not just for your boss, even though he supervises your work. The rest is up to you.

I hope this makes sense to you.

Thanks and Regards,

Indrani Chakraborty

Hi Raj,

What a sick mentality. But you can't do anything; you may find many small-time entrepreneurs doing the same kind of things with their employees. They think that by deducting a few thousand from someone's salary will make their business a success, which we all know is not true.

About leaving the job, I don't think it is that big of an issue to leave the job. Have patience and let the person realize their own mistake. Be generous and polite.

Have a great day!!

Archna

Dear Raj,

I am really surprised to see such an approach from the CEO. Anyways, at least you came to know about him through this incident. But this point is not enough to determine whether the organization is worth working for or not. You were completely right and acted in the right manner. But consider other parameters as well before pondering this question.

Feel light, my friend. It happens, and it should not affect you personally or professionally. However, take a lesson from this.

Regards,
Shilpi

Hi Raj!

I support Indrani, and also what you did is right. This is not a matter to leave the job. The ego of your boss told him to deduct that amount from your salary, and your ego is telling you to leave the company. Then what's the difference between you and your boss as you both are egoistic in this case.

Be there in that company, forget the incident. Be happy as a lucky guy who got an iPod in that lucky draw. TAKE IT EASY. Be natural as you were. Delete these things from your hard disk (mind) totally.

Adding to this, as you've joined there recently, it won't be a better option to leave the job. Enjoy the work profile. Be happy.

Sandeep +91 99383 510 33

Hi Mukesh,

Please teach him a lesson and then come out. He should realize what he has done.

Thank you.

A very astonishing story……. But it sort of sounds like your Boss is kind of jealous that you got the Ipod, so he asks it from you claiming it belongs to the company and then deciding against it and deducting the Registration Fee from your salary. Has he also deducted the said amount from the other staff who took part in the said event?? (as well as from the boss's salary itself??)
Even though your Boss is wrong I don't think you should just quit your job unless you find a better place. In time you might find it difficult to give your 100% commitment to your job since you have this incident which may create a negative attitude in you so finding a new wouldn't be a bad choice.

Hi,

Is he a CEO or a peon? Just ask him! 😂

Secondly, such behavior shows that he is not at all worried about his company's image.

Mr. Raj,

The attitude of the boss defines the growth of the company. If your boss thinks that he can deduct the salary in lieu of the iPod you won, it shows that, however strong your efforts might be to rope in clients for the organization, your efforts would be a colossal waste.

Regards,
Rajeshwari

Hi Raj,

Just be cool and don't think too much about it. You are absolutely correct in what you did. Don't regret your actions. Your self-confidence and decision-making ability will take you to greater heights. There could be a member who has the potential to become a CEO of a company or a HR Head who will read your comments. I am sure a sincere and genuine HR head would appreciate and would like to have people like you who sincerely think for the organization.

Just relax, I am sure you will soon reach great heights.

All the best,

M. Prabhakar Rao

I can only imagine what you are feeling. It is very sorrowful. Take it in your stride. Be professional in your relationship with them.

- Hiten

Dear Raj,

Indrani, Archna, Sandeep, Shilpi, Prabhakar Rao, and Hiten have all given you excellent advice. Don't let one incident with your boss spoil your future with the company. However, keep his mentality in mind and be cautious in your dealings with him. Only if his prejudices and interference constantly affect your own performance in a detrimental manner should you seriously consider leaving the company. Otherwise, show your potential and strive to do your best.

Jeroo

Dear Raj,

What you did is right, but do not go so deep to analyze the CEO's nature because it would be a literal waste of time. As you have mentioned that you were responsible for several important roles, it shows that you play a major role in that firm, even more than the CEO.

Therefore, think of it as your firm, and consider that the CEO may be new to this kind of exposure. Decisions cannot be made immediately, but once a decision is made by your inner self, do not backtrack. You are capable of analyzing things more maturely, so why worry about these trivial matters?

"You have donated that iPod to your company," think of it in that way, and you can be the happiest person.

"All the best,"

BYE!

Yours ever-caring,
Kamala Krishnakumar.

I would suggest before quitting, make sure you have an offer with you for the safer side and teach your boss a lesson...

Hi Raj,

It is unfair in the first place for the company and also looks cheap in their behavior. Please do not show your resentment. Keep looking for a decent opening (confidentiality), and once you get the offer, let them know the same. In case they ask for a notice period to be served, do serve the same without any ill feeling, as you need to get your relieving letter without any problem.

Regards,
Sanjay S

Hi,

What you did was just right. What a ridiculous CEO. By this incident, your CEO cut a very sorry figure. Anyway, this is a matter of way of thinking.

Regards,
Sebuks

Dear Friends,

I thank you all for your wonderful feedback. I agree that leaving the company would not be the right thing to do, and this attitude of a boss will not help any employee to grow and concentrate on performance. This incident may not affect the coworkers, but it influences and creates a bad impact towards the boss.

"If your thinking is sloppy, your business will be sloppy. If you are disorganized, your business will be disorganized. If you are greedy, your employees will be greedy, giving you less and less of themselves."

Thanks and Regards,
Rajkumar
9941916530
rajcapri02@yahoo.com

Raj,

This is really weird. This shows that it is a small-time company. I would suggest you leave this firm where the CEO is indecisive, self-centric, and narrow-minded.

R/ Falak

Dear Raj,

From the incident, I should really appreciate your wisdom that you showed. The fact states that you are working for a recruitment firm. In the current scenario, very few recruitment agencies are very professional, open-minded, and have an ethical business approach. I am unaware of your earlier profile, but if you were working as an HR generalist, then you need to rethink your decision to work in a recruitment firm as it is only the smallest experience in Core HR compared to Generalist roles.

Regarding your CEO, when he displays such an unprofessional and narrow-minded approach, and when you have such a narrow-minded leader (I normally refer to such a person as 'Chindi minded'), all business decisions are made accordingly. Therefore, you really need to look at every business decision he makes and then consider making a change.

Thanks & Regards,

Amal Shere

Hey Raj, take it easy... just chill, alright? So, this is just another story of a very egoistic boss! But this should never be a reason for you to leave!! Come on, be cool.

Hi friends,

I am here after a very long time and I need clarification on this: I have recently taken up a job in a recruitment firm, a startup company. I am involved in operations, business development, recruitment, etc. Very recently, I got an invitation to a recruiter's conference, so I took it forward to my CEO and said it would be very useful to build a brand and get more clients. He accepted to pay the registration fee of 1250/- per head. My CEO and another staff member accompanied me. At the conference, we were asked to drop our visiting cards in a bowl for a lucky dip for an iPod. Everyone put their business cards, including my CEO and another staff member. At the end of the day, by luck, I got the iPod.

The next day, the CEO called me and said that the iPod belongs to the company. Astonished but without a second thought, I gave it to him. Again, he called me back and said I can keep the iPod but he would deduct the 1250/- from my salary. I told him I would not lose my self-respect by taking it back, but if he wants, he can deduct the 1250/- from my salary. Now my point is, "Was I wrong by any means, and is it worth me sticking to this kind of organization?" Guide me, please.

In this era where everybody is so busy and there is so much to do, do you and your CEO have so much time to think and discuss such things? :D :D :D

Raj

Hi Raj,

It's totally unfair to you. When it comes to the decision of leaving the job, you have to first ask yourself whether you are someone who can adapt to changes or not. If not, then the simple answer is "quit"; otherwise, you can stay there to enhance your profile and move at the right time.

Above all, if you believe in yourself, that you have the skills and can find a job anywhere, simply leave the job and be stress-free.

Best of luck,
Vikas Kumar

Hi Raj,

Here, it will show your CEO's mentality, how cheap he is. Don't worry about all these things because he did this. He thought that you are more presentable than him and you may occupy his designation very soon by achieving in the company. So, my suggestion is to not leave the company. Instead, just concentrate on your work. Anyway, he is not going to reward for anything; he is just the CEO and not the director of the company. At the end of the day, people will come to know who's really working, right?

Regards,
Swetha

Hi Raj,

This shows how shallow-minded your boss is, other than being jealous. Neither your boss nor you were aware that you would win an iPod at that conference when you registered. On what basis does he now want to deduct that amount from your salary? As a punishment for winning an iPod?

Well, well... such things do happen. Take it as a learning experience. Looking for another job is not a bad idea. But before you leave this company, make sure you have another better offer.

Richa

Give the baby his iPod! Tell him that when we agreed to attend the seminar, our objective was for the company's growth, i.e., building brand awareness and networking for more business. Also, tell him to think of the amount spent towards the participation fee as an investment towards reaching organizational goals. This investment has no link to your salary. If it did, this should have been addressed to you earlier! If it's the iPod he wants - give the baby his iPod! And rub it off. Quitting your job will not help, but consider other opportunities. Organizational culture does not seem to be right ethically.

Hi Raj,

Shocking to know that such people exist and are named CEOs. However, what you have is just right. Has there been any development after the incident?

Regards,
Anjanahr

Raj,

Ask your CEO to return the iPod and the $1250 he paid for it. Inform him that you will generate ten times that amount. Approach this request in a respectful manner to subtly convey his mistake.

Spread this message within your office to raise awareness.

Priya

Please answer to yourself to the following questions.

Why did you return the iPod?
What made you return it?
Both of the above questions might appear similar, but deep down, they are different.
Okay, fine. Now that you have returned it, why do you feel that way?
The next day, he called you and asked you to keep the iPod but informed you about the deduction.
What was your initial reaction? Please be honest in this case.
What led you to consider resignation?
What are your plans for the future?
Would you tell any of the companies during an interview that you left the previous company because they took back your iPod?
Are you well-equipped to face an interview?
What is your current mindset after this incident?
Why do you give so much importance to that iPod?
iPod or career, please think.
Be honest and answer all these questions to yourself; you will gain clarity.

Hi,

Whoever has written the series of questions, good job! But I guess it's not about "the iPod." It's about the behavior a person of CEO level has shown.

Definitely, resignation is not a good idea.

Priya

Dear Raj,

If you are thinking that by jumping to another organization you won't get this kind of CEO, then you are wrong. It is happening everywhere, sorry, but in most places. Buddy, just chill, treat it as a job, don't take anything to heart. You know what... I was thinking that only my boss is like that, but I'm feeling pretty good now :lol: :lol: :lol:

And we need to share it in the Humour section and laugh at their attitude... so chill, Buddy...

Hi, I think you should quit rather than hanging around with such people. I am sure you would not learn anything from such places. Good luck.

Hi Raj,

I read all the comments. However, you are forgetting that your CEO has allowed you to attend this seminar. I believe it would have really added lots of knowledge to your repertoire. Forget about his behavior and follow our Bapu's policy. Believe me, the best way to insult someone is to ignore the person completely. Don't make him feel that it has really affected you.

Don't quit so early. When facing a new interview, there will be lots of questions about your previous job that you have to answer. I think, being a recruiter, you might know that you cannot talk negatively about your previous boss and job in the interview.

So, chill dude and work there for a few more months! All the best.

With regards,
Swarali

Hello,

I believe you should not forget the knowledge that you gained in the workshop. Give your best in the company and then make them realize your importance. It's then your decision to come out... Best of luck... Whatever it is, you will definitely reach heights in your career!!!

Regards,
Karuna

Dear Raj,

I read all the postings with interest. Everybody seems to be unanimous in their opinion that the CEO was petty-minded in his behavior, and I too second that opinion. But as far as resigning from the job is concerned, you need not do so immediately unless the incident has badly affected your relationship with the CEO and your gut feeling tells you that continuing in the job will not be in your best interest. So stay put for the time being, and behave as if you have put the incident behind you. (But that need not stop you from keeping a lookout for other good openings either).

And yes, buy a good quality iPod and make sure your CEO notices it - without seeming to make an obvious effort to do so :D

I would like to suggest that you don't do any kind of knee-jerk action. This kind of behavior, as you have encountered, probably enriches your understanding of human behavior and makes you a more mature person as you grow within HR functions. If not in your current company, but maybe in other bigger companies as you switch jobs for career growth.

Don't show any displeasure right away. Don't even discuss your humiliation with anybody within the organization since nobody can help you on this as it's a matter between you and your employer and not any manager against whom you have any grievance redressal forum. Of course, your confidants within the organization will try to enjoy the latest update, etc. Keep your normal self and start looking for better opportunities elsewhere. When you get a better deal, politely quit with dignity. Probably at your exit interview, you can spell out your disappointment about the behavior.

Hi Raj,

What a mentally disturbed individual he is. God will have to show him mercy as he seems to be mentally challenged. He appears to be envious of you, behaving like a child and trying to disrupt the discussions. Just ignore him or better yet, show him this expression: 😈😈😈.

Please refrain from using derogatory terms such as "retarded" as they can be offensive and hurtful.

Let me know if you need any further assistance.

Hi,

I have read all your case as well as all the threads from our members. It is really surprising that someone at such a high position (and by default, supposedly mature) is doing something like this. I do understand that you have joined the company recently and there are several parameters which might go against you leaving the company. But all I want you to do is to be careful. While it might be a good idea to stick to this job, do monitor the behavior of your CEO towards you thereafter. If you think he pinpoints the smallest of the mistakes and blows it out of proportion, or he might give you a lower appraisal rating, then I don't think it's worth sticking around. However, before reaching any conclusion, do think it through thoroughly and then make your choice.

Good luck.
Medha

Hi Raj,

What you did is absolutely correct. Take up a good organization and make him realize.

Regards,
Priya.

Hello Raj Brother,

I don't think it's a big issue that would lead you to resign. Please have some patience. Another point I would like to add is that maybe by behaving this way, he might be testing your behavior and manners. You have to put yourself in his place and think. Now ask yourself, why did you do this to your subordinate, and the answer will come from your inner voice; just follow that. I'm sorry if I hurt you, but this is how I feel.

Thank You

Hi Raj!

Don't get hurt. You shouldn't have taken that iPod with you to your home. You have recently joined the company. You have to understand the environment and behavior of your superiors and team members, especially the boss.

I am sure our members would agree that there are bosses who slip uneaten foodstuff into their suit pockets which is being offered in aircrafts not for its taste but thinking that why should we leave... like... Take it easy. Keep cool. Don't ever think of quitting the job for this silly issue.

Wish you all the best.

Balaji - Hyd

Hi Raj,

It's really a surprising thing to know. But, drop the idea of quitting the job; that won't be of any help. It's better that you have realized this at this point of time. Now, try to plan your attitude according to the scenario there.

Nimisha

I can say one thing... he is not the Chief Executive Officer; he is the Cheap Exclusive Officer. I guess I was also attending that seminar. Was it held at Le Royal Meridian on 23rd November (Friday)?

Hi Raj,

I was really surprised to learn about what your CEO did. I don't think any CEO could ever think like that. However, I truly support you for what you have done.

Regards,
Mustafa

Raj,

The way of thinking makes people different from their position. The incident, in a way, gives you a chance to assess your CEO. Be rational in your thinking. Make a decision that is professional and beneficial to you.

Regards,
Vishwanath