So here’s a scenario for you to consider:
It’s based on recent political entanglements. You sit on a board that has the power to make decisions for the entire company, but you dislike the President of the company. Even though both of you claim to want the best for the company, you continually block all the President’s initiatives, because you disagree with them.
You’ve been with the company longer than the President, so you believe you know more than him on these issues.
The President has asked for your input, but you refuse to meet with him because of your differing ideologies. You’ve declared that you will not compromise on your beliefs and change your opinion on the situation.
Now, the President is releasing another new plan to improve the company and you still don’t like it. He will be presenting the new plan to the entire company and has asked you to comment on the proposal. You have declined, saying that the rest of the board will speak instead.
Is this respectful behavior toward the President? Why? Or why not? What would you do?
No, this is not respectful behavior. This demonstrates childishness and even bullying as this shows a lack of willingness to even listen to an alternative point of view. This total disregard for another’s opinion reveals a fundamental flaw in business today – a lack of compassion. I would recommend to the board member that he make an effort to understand the president’s point of view, so that when he does make a decision, it will be informed and will not simply be a knee jerk egotistical reaction. Frankly, even though this may be a hypothetical example, it also shows the Peter principle is in full force.
Jay, couldn’t agree with you more! Well said.