How would you handle this? Disciplinary action.
Jez
28 Posts
Thanks in advance for your input. How would you handle this?
A salesperson was very disrespectful to a VP. Essentially said VP wasn't taking an important matter seriously, jeopardizing an account with an important client. The salesperson raised his voice, threw the "F" word around more than a few times, called the VP inept and hung up on her. Needless to say, the VP is VERY angry. The salesperson has no prior disciplinary issues. Curious about how my HR colleagues view this.
A salesperson was very disrespectful to a VP. Essentially said VP wasn't taking an important matter seriously, jeopardizing an account with an important client. The salesperson raised his voice, threw the "F" word around more than a few times, called the VP inept and hung up on her. Needless to say, the VP is VERY angry. The salesperson has no prior disciplinary issues. Curious about how my HR colleagues view this.
Comments
Having said that, there are industries where this sort of "dialogue" (particularly if the salesperson is right and the VP is an ass clown) is acceptable.
Tell us more.
Gene
We need more information. My answer would depend upon the "important matter" not being taken seriously, but I would also let those that the VP and the salesperson report to handle it how they see fit.
Companies run on sales, but they don't run themselves so both the VP and the salesperson have important stakes. If it is just business details, they need to be worked out in normal course. But if it is some sort of personality conflict, power play or the like - then discipline may be appropriate.
As to the salespersons language and raised voice - those things need to be behind closed doors, and even then - disrespectful conduct should not be tolerated - from any person.
I would hope the salesperson is passionate about his assignment and his reaction to whatever he was ticked about. I would also hope the VP isn't so thin skinned as to not allow passionate dialog with her subordinates. Sounds as if there's 'stuff rumbling under the surface'.
INSUBORDINATION in our "world of work" and written policy would bring forth an immediate termination. Evidently, you or someone else heard the conversation and will support the VPs side of the story, that all of this did happen, as written.
It is the VP who should register the formal complaint and cause the termination action to go forth. Of course, this is assuming that the salesperson is supervised by the VP, otherwise, some other parties will have to become involved.
PORK
A few months ago, a story was published in one of these employment law letters about an EE who was terminated for insubordination - basically using very bad language. The almost inevitable lawsuit was filed. I don't remember if it was in the actual suit or an appeal, but bottom line was, the termination was overturned. The EE won a judgement and was returned to work.
I think this was a union situation, but again, memory is spotty.
Perhaps others will have better specifics - if I am even on the right track.
It won't be long before the 9th circuit mirrors that and then it will spread further in all types of behavior and anti-social behavior.
As a side note, this manner of thinking permeated the public schools some 15-20 years ago. Now it is perfectly acceptable in most schools for young students to call their teacher a MF, or a WMF. The principals and administration expect and condone it. The parents teach it.
The workplace is next.
One of our written policies states, "Failure to get along and cooperate with coworkers, supervisors, management and customers may lead to termination. The ability to communicate effectively, tactfully, and courteously is a vital part of our job." Regardless if this situation happened in private, discipline would be administered. The type of discipline could range from suspension without pay or termination and would be dependant upon the circumstances of the situation, and the disciplinary history of the employee.
My 2 cents worth!
Oooooh, I like that! May I plagiarize? ;;)