Question

Salim was a Sales Manager for XYZ Company in Muscat City branch. A week ago,
he was promoted and shifted to Head Office as Manager - Product Management
for a division of products which he was not very familiar with. Three days ago, the
company VICE PRESIDENT - Mr. Hamed, convened a meeting of all Product
Managers. Salim's new boss (Senior Manager – Ms. Asma) was not able to attend
due to some other preoccupation. Hence, the Marketing Director, Abdullah -
asked Salim to attend the meeting as this would give him an exposure into his
new role. At the beginning of the meeting, Abdullah introduced Salim very briefly
to the VICE PRESIDENT. The meeting started with an address from the VICE
PRESIDENT and soon it got into a series of questions from him to every Product
Manager. Hamed, of course, was pretty thorough with every single product of the
company and he was known to be pushy and a blunt veteran in the field. Most of
the Product Managers were very clear of Hamed's ways of working and had
thoroughly prepared for the meeting and were giving to the point answers.
Hamed then started with Salim. Salim being new to the product, was quite
confused and fared miserably. Abdullah immediately understood that Hamed had
possibly failed to remember that Salim was new to the job. He thought of
interrupting Hamed's questioning and giving a discrete reminder that Salim was
new. But by that time, Hamed who was pretty upset with the lack of preparation
by Salim made a public statement "Gentlemen, you are witnessing here an
example of casual work and this can't be excused". Now Abdullah was in two
minds - should he interrupt Hamed and tell him that Salim is new in that position
OR should he wait till the end of the meeting and tell Hamed privately. Abdullah
chose the second option. Salim was visibly angry at the treatment meted out by
Hamed but he also chose to keep mum. Hamed quickly closed the meeting saying
that he found in general, lack of planning in the department and asked Abdullah
to stay back in the room for further discussions. Before Abdullah could give any
explanation on Salim, Hamed asked him "Tell me openly, Abdullah, was I too
rough with that boy?" Abdullah said "Yes, you were. In fact, I was about to remind
you that Salim is new to the job". Hamed explained that the fact that Salim was
new to the job didn't quite register with him during the meeting. Hamed admitted
that he had made a mistake and asked his secretary to get Salim report to the
room immediately. A confused and uncomfortable Salim reported to Hamed's
room after few minutes. Hamed looking Salim straight into his eyes said "I have
done something which I should have never even thought of and I want to
apologies to you. It is my mistake that I did not recollect that you were new to the
job when I was questioning you". Salim was left speechless. Hamed 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 unintelligent 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". Vice president closed the conversation with a big
reassuring handshake with Salim.
Questions:
1. Is it necessary for Mr. Hamed to apologies to such a junior employee like Salim?
If you were in Salim's place, how would you to respond to Hamed's apology?
2. Was Hamed correct in saying that Salim is there to correct the "unintelligent
mistake" of his boss and Hamed? If yes or no then how?
3. Did Abdullah make a mistake by not intervening during the meeting and correct
Hamed's misconception about Salim? Provide your justification?
4. As an HR person, how would you define the character of Hamed - mistreatment
but later regretting? Does his attitude need to be corrected? If yes or no give your
suggestions?
5. If you are the Vice President of XYZ Company, briefly discuss how you will
handle the situation?

Answer 1

1. Yes, it is necessary for Mr. Hamed to apologize to Salim as this shows the emotional intellect of harmed in handling a delicate situation which might have led to a loss of a good employee. Hamed also has the character to accept his mistake and the courage to improve on that mistake. If I were in hameds place, I would have accepted hamed's apology and also give him my assurance about meeting his expectations.

2.Hamed was correct in saying that Salim is there to correct unintelligent mistakes of him and his bosses since juniors ought to have all the information pertaining to their area of expertise and one person cannot be an expert in all areas and usually people at the top levels do not have the detailed information.

3. Yes Abdullah did make a mistake in not intimating and informing hamed on the spot since he could have done it politely which would not have been any disrespect to Hamed. Since hamed is publically admonishing slim, it is his job and responsibility to save Salim's reputation when he is unfairly targeted since he is salim's boss.

4. Hamed's character is that of an very disciplined and thorough person. Also he is also good leader with sound emotional intellect. He recognized his mistake and was more than willing to correct it by apologizing which shows his leadership quality and humilty.

5. If i were the VP of the company, i would not have admonished salim in front of everyone but would have enquired to his boss about the employees lack of focus on detailing. As a VP, it is responsibility to hold the team leader responsible first and then the team member.Also, any criticism should be done in private rather than public forums.