Dear Seniors,
I am an HR Professional and I am facing an issue that is common in dealing with other employees. There is a guy who is a sales manager, with the company having 70% of his clients. He holds a senior position and is considered the most powerful individual. However, he has started to chase me unethically by calling and messaging me at odd timings and behaving unprofessionally, often talking nonsense. Despite my warnings to him multiple times to stop this behavior, he has shown no improvement. I am concerned that Management may not listen to my complaints as he is seen as more important to them.
Please advise on whether I should escalate this matter to Management or if I should consider resigning quietly.
Thank you.
From India, New Delhi
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2I am an HR Professional and I am facing an issue that is common in dealing with other employees. There is a guy who is a sales manager, with the company having 70% of his clients. He holds a senior position and is considered the most powerful individual. However, he has started to chase me unethically by calling and messaging me at odd timings and behaving unprofessionally, often talking nonsense. Despite my warnings to him multiple times to stop this behavior, he has shown no improvement. I am concerned that Management may not listen to my complaints as he is seen as more important to them.
Please advise on whether I should escalate this matter to Management or if I should consider resigning quietly.
Thank you.
From India, New Delhi
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Dear Archi,
This is a typical scenario in Indian companies where one person or even a department calls the shots, and others are expected to be subjugated by him or them. If he has mustered the courage to call you at odd hours, it shows his audacity. The reason for his audaciousness originates from his view that, more than me, the management is dependent on me. Therefore, I can have my way.
Anyway, continue to warn him. However, while doing so, start generating evidence of your communication with him. Begin recording the telephone calls. Never disclose to him that you have started generating evidence of his misdemeanors.
If things come to such a pass where you are no longer in a position to bear with him, then approach the management. Let's see what happens.
In the meanwhile, start finding out his weaknesses. Can these weaknesses be exposed to the management, albeit surreptitiously?
If nothing works, start searching for another job. Finally, achieving our career goal is important to us, and not objective is not reforming one's behavior.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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This is a typical scenario in Indian companies where one person or even a department calls the shots, and others are expected to be subjugated by him or them. If he has mustered the courage to call you at odd hours, it shows his audacity. The reason for his audaciousness originates from his view that, more than me, the management is dependent on me. Therefore, I can have my way.
Anyway, continue to warn him. However, while doing so, start generating evidence of your communication with him. Begin recording the telephone calls. Never disclose to him that you have started generating evidence of his misdemeanors.
If things come to such a pass where you are no longer in a position to bear with him, then approach the management. Let's see what happens.
In the meanwhile, start finding out his weaknesses. Can these weaknesses be exposed to the management, albeit surreptitiously?
If nothing works, start searching for another job. Finally, achieving our career goal is important to us, and not objective is not reforming one's behavior.
Thanks,
Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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Sales manager is stuck in his own ego trip and assumed power (as per what you say). Start recording his voice, make note of timings he visits you and what he said, and if there are witnesses, names. Keep his WhatsApp number blocked when you leave the office, so that he cannot message you. At any rate, fully document his actions - date, time, actions, place (office, canteen, corridors, etc.). Discreetly sound out your coworkers and find out whether he is treating only you in this creepy fashion or others as well, and also his earlier history if possible. Once your groundwork is complete and he is not ready to understand that his behavior is unacceptable and unwanted, then put it in writing to higher management. Meanwhile, look around for another job on the side so you can step out of this company and hopefully into another company. Don't be scared, and be firm.
From India, Pune
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From India, Pune
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Ya sir, I can understand your situation.
Usually, it happens for two reasons:
1. Generally, newly joined employees, in their way of approach, apply a strategy or formula of obeying any orders given by anyone, including an attender or office boy. This phenomenon lasts for 2 to 3 months. Then the newly joined employee thinks that he has understood everyone and can stand on his own way. He will give and implement his own style. During this budding time, some senior staff may interpret it as leniency and behave as mentioned in your case. The only thing you should do is show your own style of approach in settling every issue. It will easily resolve with word of mouth publicity, and the individual will stop his embarrassing way of calling you.
Now, moving on to the second possibility:
2. Personality issue. Suppose you have a small personality, whether young or old, innocent or ignorant in appeal, always depending so much on others, which gives leniency to others. If you stop asking everyone everything and stay cool and calm, it will bring tension to the minds of ragging-natured seniors. Within a few months, everything will return to normal. In any case, you have to prove your competence in problem analysis and problem-solving methods. If needed, consider changing from a firm to a lighter company.
From India, Nellore
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Usually, it happens for two reasons:
1. Generally, newly joined employees, in their way of approach, apply a strategy or formula of obeying any orders given by anyone, including an attender or office boy. This phenomenon lasts for 2 to 3 months. Then the newly joined employee thinks that he has understood everyone and can stand on his own way. He will give and implement his own style. During this budding time, some senior staff may interpret it as leniency and behave as mentioned in your case. The only thing you should do is show your own style of approach in settling every issue. It will easily resolve with word of mouth publicity, and the individual will stop his embarrassing way of calling you.
Now, moving on to the second possibility:
2. Personality issue. Suppose you have a small personality, whether young or old, innocent or ignorant in appeal, always depending so much on others, which gives leniency to others. If you stop asking everyone everything and stay cool and calm, it will bring tension to the minds of ragging-natured seniors. Within a few months, everything will return to normal. In any case, you have to prove your competence in problem analysis and problem-solving methods. If needed, consider changing from a firm to a lighter company.
From India, Nellore
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Dear Madam,
This is a clear case falling under sexual harassment in the workplace, and you need to take actions under the law if you so desire. You need to escalate the matter as you have given enough warnings but no change is seen.
Without giving it a try, your assumption that the higher management may side with him may not be correct. Despite your expressing dislike and warnings for his unprofessional approach and behavior at and off the workplace, if he has not changed, it is high time you speak to the decision-maker with date-wise incidents and your verbal warnings.
If he is married, next time he continues to indulge in the same behavior, tell him you will have to inform his wife/family members as well as the police as a last resort.
I do not favor any hasty decision to change the job but favor your firm actions without fear within available means under the law.
Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar HR and Employee Relations Consultant
From India, Mumbai
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This is a clear case falling under sexual harassment in the workplace, and you need to take actions under the law if you so desire. You need to escalate the matter as you have given enough warnings but no change is seen.
Without giving it a try, your assumption that the higher management may side with him may not be correct. Despite your expressing dislike and warnings for his unprofessional approach and behavior at and off the workplace, if he has not changed, it is high time you speak to the decision-maker with date-wise incidents and your verbal warnings.
If he is married, next time he continues to indulge in the same behavior, tell him you will have to inform his wife/family members as well as the police as a last resort.
I do not favor any hasty decision to change the job but favor your firm actions without fear within available means under the law.
Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar HR and Employee Relations Consultant
From India, Mumbai
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Dear Archie,
I feel that you should give him a final warning so that he does not misbehave with you in the future. However, in case he does call you at odd hours or talks about irrelevant things, please record them and keep the call log handy. I would also suggest that you verbally inform the IC members and not be in haste to file a written complaint. If his behavior improves, then that's good for you. If not, you can make a written complaint to the IC member under the POSH Act. Do not consider the option of resignation at this juncture.
From India, Mumbai
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I feel that you should give him a final warning so that he does not misbehave with you in the future. However, in case he does call you at odd hours or talks about irrelevant things, please record them and keep the call log handy. I would also suggest that you verbally inform the IC members and not be in haste to file a written complaint. If his behavior improves, then that's good for you. If not, you can make a written complaint to the IC member under the POSH Act. Do not consider the option of resignation at this juncture.
From India, Mumbai
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Dear Friend,
Here problem lying with Managing Directors/business owners. There is no competency in Sales. That is the reason he becomes egoistic, unprofessional and unethical. Challenges/problems are everywhere in workplaces/industries. One Sales Manager withholding lions share, 70% clients of the company, and makes unbreakable position with power/money. He has the core value in his profession and managing directors support him.
An organisation/company should not mould by one employee. Here HR has to go through competency. Hire other experienced Sales Head/President from competitors. If hired employee performs well other person’s power and support will decrease. But hiring cost/Management support will be a problem.
Never show your weakness to the world, because world is much interested to play with it. Problems are wonderful ‘transition points’ in life. Problems will come to your life to make you or break you. HR has a bigger role to play in mitigating the challenges by creating appropriate capabilities across the industry/sector.
Yours faithfully,
Mohandas Nair.
From India, Mumbai
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Here problem lying with Managing Directors/business owners. There is no competency in Sales. That is the reason he becomes egoistic, unprofessional and unethical. Challenges/problems are everywhere in workplaces/industries. One Sales Manager withholding lions share, 70% clients of the company, and makes unbreakable position with power/money. He has the core value in his profession and managing directors support him.
An organisation/company should not mould by one employee. Here HR has to go through competency. Hire other experienced Sales Head/President from competitors. If hired employee performs well other person’s power and support will decrease. But hiring cost/Management support will be a problem.
Never show your weakness to the world, because world is much interested to play with it. Problems are wonderful ‘transition points’ in life. Problems will come to your life to make you or break you. HR has a bigger role to play in mitigating the challenges by creating appropriate capabilities across the industry/sector.
Yours faithfully,
Mohandas Nair.
From India, Mumbai
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The behavior is mostly in the realm of sexual harassment (we do not have the full details, so people are guessing).
In that case, under the POSH regulations, the company is bound to take action on a complaint by the woman employee.
If your company has a Sexual Harassment Committee, you can make a formal complaint to the chairperson of the committee.
If the company does not have a committee, then it is in violation of the law. In which case, you can file a complaint with the District Committee set up by the District Magistrate (you need to see where the local committee office is).
However, if you are taking a step of complaining to the authorities, your life in the company may become difficult. So, you need to consider all options, including how important the job is to you and the ease of getting another job if you need to change.
From India, Mumbai
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In that case, under the POSH regulations, the company is bound to take action on a complaint by the woman employee.
If your company has a Sexual Harassment Committee, you can make a formal complaint to the chairperson of the committee.
If the company does not have a committee, then it is in violation of the law. In which case, you can file a complaint with the District Committee set up by the District Magistrate (you need to see where the local committee office is).
However, if you are taking a step of complaining to the authorities, your life in the company may become difficult. So, you need to consider all options, including how important the job is to you and the ease of getting another job if you need to change.
From India, Mumbai
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@Archi1993,
Presence of such individuals is common in many companies. When these employees perform well (or rather deliver results that benefit the company), they may become overconfident and believe that the top management or chief executive is under their influence. This mindset motivates them to engage in such behavior.
However, as you mentioned in your post, do not avoid your roles and responsibilities. When you start confronting him assertively (not aggressively), he will likely become demotivated. If he continues with his behavior, prepare a written complaint and submit it to the Chief Executive of your company, with a copy to the Delhi Commission for Women. Since you are located in New Delhi, below is the address of the Commission:
Delhi Commission for Women
Address: C-Block, 2nd floor, Vikas Bhawan, ITO, IP Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110002
Phone: 011 2337 9181
As our senior member advised you, please ensure you keep proof of any documentation you create regarding this matter.
From India, Aizawl
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Presence of such individuals is common in many companies. When these employees perform well (or rather deliver results that benefit the company), they may become overconfident and believe that the top management or chief executive is under their influence. This mindset motivates them to engage in such behavior.
However, as you mentioned in your post, do not avoid your roles and responsibilities. When you start confronting him assertively (not aggressively), he will likely become demotivated. If he continues with his behavior, prepare a written complaint and submit it to the Chief Executive of your company, with a copy to the Delhi Commission for Women. Since you are located in New Delhi, below is the address of the Commission:
Delhi Commission for Women
Address: C-Block, 2nd floor, Vikas Bhawan, ITO, IP Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110002
Phone: 011 2337 9181
As our senior member advised you, please ensure you keep proof of any documentation you create regarding this matter.
From India, Aizawl
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Oh, sorry, madam... you are a girl.
Ok, then you change your way of approach. Report his unnatural behavior to Higher Department officers in writing; make a copy to the MD and chairman levels. Even if he does not change, please lodge a complaint with the police. The results may lead to him being put behind bars under the case of sexual harassment in the workplace, which is a serious crime.
Request the police to keep it confidential. They will certainly manage things in your favor.
If you are shy to go to the police station, then seek help from the local labor department by filing a complaint.
That individual will be called to the LABOR DEPT office for an inquiry. If not, the company's higher officers will be summoned for a joint meeting and suggest his transfer or any suitable action when proven guilty. He may even face suspension or be dismissed from the company. Similar incidents have occurred in many companies where individuals, considered stalwarts and pillars of the company, were removed due to such actions. So, don't worry. Be brave. We are all with you.
Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment in the Workplace is a central act. It was implemented nationwide about a year ago and all state governments have been instructed to enforce it rigorously. The labor department has been included to ensure that there is no sexual harassment in the inspecting company during their inspections. A column has been added to the inspection proforma for this purpose.
Moreover, the responsibility of maintaining a sexual harassment-free environment falls within their jurisdiction. If any such complaints are received, the labor office must address them seriously for resolution.
From India, Nellore
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Ok, then you change your way of approach. Report his unnatural behavior to Higher Department officers in writing; make a copy to the MD and chairman levels. Even if he does not change, please lodge a complaint with the police. The results may lead to him being put behind bars under the case of sexual harassment in the workplace, which is a serious crime.
Request the police to keep it confidential. They will certainly manage things in your favor.
If you are shy to go to the police station, then seek help from the local labor department by filing a complaint.
That individual will be called to the LABOR DEPT office for an inquiry. If not, the company's higher officers will be summoned for a joint meeting and suggest his transfer or any suitable action when proven guilty. He may even face suspension or be dismissed from the company. Similar incidents have occurred in many companies where individuals, considered stalwarts and pillars of the company, were removed due to such actions. So, don't worry. Be brave. We are all with you.
Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment in the Workplace is a central act. It was implemented nationwide about a year ago and all state governments have been instructed to enforce it rigorously. The labor department has been included to ensure that there is no sexual harassment in the inspecting company during their inspections. A column has been added to the inspection proforma for this purpose.
Moreover, the responsibility of maintaining a sexual harassment-free environment falls within their jurisdiction. If any such complaints are received, the labor office must address them seriously for resolution.
From India, Nellore
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