At the end of the month, Sarah got promoted while Kate was still in her old position. Although Kate was very disappointed she knew from the start only one person would be getting promoted. She was walking past the office cafeteria when she overheard some people discussing the recent promotion. She heard them mention the fact that Sarah got promoted only because she sometimes took credit for her partner’s (Kate’s) work and also because she bad mouthed about Kate to her boss.
Kate was taken aback by shock although she knew that her friend Sarah would not be capable of such things, it was a rather important and big promotion which both of them have been looking forward to so she felt that Sarah might have used any opportunity to get hold of that promotion. Also, the others from her office would not have known about this unless it was true. To top all of this, she remembered that ever since Sarah knew about her promotion, she has never come to meet Kate. When in fact, Sarah was busy preparing for her first meeting after her promotion with her boss.
Angrily, Kate went to look for Sarah. After she found Sarah, Kate told Sarah whatever she heard and the fact that it was all probably true since the promotion was an important step in their career. Since that day, Kate tried to ignore Sarah and only spoke to her if it was absolutely necessary. Sarah tired explaining to Kate but she refused to listen. What could be done to help Sarah?
Hey!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very complicated situation... Kate should've tried talking about this problem to Sarah or tried to verify things from other sources before coming to a conclusion. She could've mentioned a few of her works to the boss and asked him/her if he/she knew whose work that really was. She could've spoken about what she over heard to the boss and asked for verification if she found talking to Sarah hard.
Now that Kate began a fight with Sarah, I think the only thing that could help the situation is proving that Sarah had never done anything against her friend. She could find out from Kate who she had overheard and also take help from the boss and settle the issue. Sarah should also be ready to forgive Kate for jumping into conclusions without giving it a second thought - Sarah and Kate were friends after all!
Krithika
Hey Preeti,
ReplyDeleteI liked this story because office politics seemed to be the most prevalent and complicatec conflicts for everyone of us. Especially the fact that our colleagues might be our friends and competition with each other might affect the close working relationship which we might once have.
Office rumours across colleagues tend to be rather malicious, and we have to differentiate between rumours and truth. Honestly, the rumours might give a hint of what's going on in the company, but its the responsibility of the individual to seek out the truth. Kate should reserve her judgements until she had seek out what Sarah said or perhaps she could have asked her boss directly the reason for not promoting her.
For Sarah position, if Kate is ignoring her, she could have text her or email her to clarify this issue.
Regards,
Alden
Hey Preeti,
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I felt that Kate should never have jumped to conclusions so quickly. She should be fully aware more often that not that office rumours have no basis to begin with. Besides, these rumours could have been fabricated by some jealous personnel who isn't too happy with Sarah's promotion.
Maybe Sarah could actually drop a note on Kate's desk asking her for a lunch appointment and making known her intention to resolve the misunderstanding as she really treasure their friendship.
Roger
Hi Preeti,
ReplyDeleteI feel that Sarah should continue to clarify the situation with Kate. Sarah could find out who started the rumour from Kate and confront them directly with Kate to dispel them.
Also, Sarah could try to make Kate understand her situation by showing her the new demands of the promotion. As a professional, Kate should be able to understand Sarah's situation and accept her promotion sincerely.
Regards,
Ying Cong
Dear Preeti
ReplyDeleteWhere's your summation? How would you resolve this conflict?
Regards
Happy