The Disrespectful Employee
The Disrespectful Employee
In the bustling city of Hyderabad, nestled within the
heart of an industrial zone, stood Amit Engineering Works, a renowned
manufacturing company specializing in high-precision machinery. The company had
earned its reputation through decades of hard work, innovation, and a commitment
to excellence. At the helm was Mr. Sajwan the seasoned CEO, who had seen the
company through numerous challenges and successes.
Mr. Sajwan was known for his no-nonsense approach to
leadership. He believed in discipline, hard work, and respect for authority—values
that had been the backbone of the company’s success. However, a new challenge
had begun to emerge within the company, one that threatened to disrupt the
harmonious work environment Mr. Sajwan had worked so hard to maintain.
Arun, a talented young engineer, had recently joined
the design department. Fresh out of a prestigious engineering college, Arun was
full of ideas and enthusiasm. However, it quickly became apparent that Arun had
a problem with authority. He often questioned his superiors, dismissed their
instructions, and even openly criticized decisions made by the management. His
disrespectful behaviour was becoming a growing concern, not just for his
immediate supervisor, but for the entire team.
One day, after a particularly tense meeting where Arun
had once again challenged the department head, Mr. Rao, Mr. Sajwan decided it
was time to have a conversation with the young engineer.
"Arun," Mr. Sajwan began as they sat down
in his office, "I’ve heard that you have been expressing your dissatisfaction
with the way things are done around here. I’d like to understand your
perspective."
Arun, who had been expecting a reprimand, was taken
aback by Mr. Sajwan’s calm demeanor. "Sir, I just feel that some of the
decisions being made are not in the best interest of the company. I want to
improve things, but it seems like no one is willing to listen."
Mr. Sajwan nodded thoughtfully. "I appreciate
your willingness to contribute, Arun. It’s clear that you are passionate about
your work. However, I need you to understand something important. Respect for
authority is not about blind obedience. It’s about recognizing the experience
and wisdom that others bring to the table."
Arun frowned, still defensive. "But how can I
respect authority when I see mistakes being made?"
"Let me tell you a story," Mr. Sajwan said,
leaning back in his chair. "When I was a young engineer, just like you, I
too had a lot of ideas. I believed I knew better than my superiors. One day, I
openly challenged my manager in a meeting, much like you did today. I thought I
was doing the right thing, but my manager taught me a valuable lesson. He told
me that before I could lead, I needed to learn how to follow."
Mr. Sajwan paused, letting his words sink in.
"Leadership is not just about having good ideas. It’s about understanding
the bigger picture, about knowing when to listen and when to speak. It’s about
building trust and respect with your team, so that when you do have an idea,
people are willing to listen."
Arun shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "But
what if the authority is wrong?"
Mr. Sajwan smiled. "Authority is not infallible,
Arun. Mistakes can be made at any level. But how you address those mistakes is
what matters. Disrespect breeds more disrespect and creates a toxic environment.
Constructive criticism, on the other hand, can lead to meaningful change. If
you believe something can be improved, present your ideas respectfully, with
evidence and a willingness to collaborate. That’s how you earn respect in
return."
Arun looked down, realizing the wisdom in Mr. Sajwan’s
words. He had been so focused on proving himself that he hadn’t considered the
impact of his behavior on the team. "I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to
cause trouble. I just wanted to make a difference."
"And you still can," Mr. Sajwan replied
kindly. "But remember, making a difference isn’t just about having the
right ideas. It’s about working together with others, respecting their
experiences, and finding a way forward that benefits everyone. Respect is a
two-way street, Arun."
From that day on, Arun made a conscious effort to
change his approach. He still contributed his ideas, but he did so with
humility and respect. Over time, his relationships with his colleagues
improved, and he found that they were more willing to listen to his
suggestions. Mr. Sajwan’s lesson had stuck with him—leadership was not about
challenging authority for the sake of it, but about earning the respect and
trust needed to inspire real change.
Years later, when Arun was promoted to a leadership
position, he often thought back to that conversation with Mr. Sajwan. It was a
lesson that had not only shaped his career but also his approach to life.
Authority, he realized, was not something to be fought against, but something
to be respected, earned, and, when necessary, constructively challenged.
In the story, Arun, a young engineer at Amit
Engineering Works in Hyderabad, frequently disrespects authority by challenging
his superiors and criticizing decisions. Concerned about Arun's behaviour, the
CEO, Mr. Sajwan invites him for a conversation. Mr. Sajwan shares his own
experience as a young engineer, emphasizing that respect for authority is
crucial and that leadership involves understanding when to listen and how to
collaborate constructively. He teaches Arun that respect and trust are
essential for making a real difference. Arun learns from this and changes his
approach, eventually earning the respect of his colleagues and becoming a
successful leader himself.
Comments