Offensive expression in the internal list of the organization I
Allan is a new employee in the organization. One day he discovers that the regulation, which has been interpreted narrowly at all times within the organization, can also be interpreted in another way. Allan finds it important to report such a possible error to all employees and makes the corresponding post to the organization list. Kim, one of the longtime employees, reacts to Allan's post by writing an answer on the public list that he believes Allan has no competence to express such an opinion, given his prior professional experience. Allan feels that this personal and public attack on him is not acceptable.
What would you do in Allan's place?
- 1. I write on the list that I think there should be a practice in the organization that no one is attacked in person and in public.
- 2. I once more use the list and explain that my letter was meant to draw attention to the problem, I propose to arrange a special seminar to discuss this issue.
- 3. I believe that the colleagues do understand that Kim's attack was inappropriate, however I use the me-message and write: 'I was hurt because I feel that questioning my competence was unjustifiable'.
- 4. I write to the list a message: 'It seems that I accidentally touched the issue here people have controversial opinions. I propose that it would be good if me and others have an opportunity to listen to Kim’s experience concerning the interpretation of this law'.
- 5. I understand that Kim is especially sensitive about the issue being raised. Therefore, I shall go to Kim and ask him if he would explain his reaction.