Careless Words Cost Money

Some senior managers never learn the lesson that “careless words cost money”.

Let’s look at yet another example of this principle in operation.

A female manager was employed by a property management company. In 2005 she married an Egyptian National and converted to Islam.

In December of the same year, she attended the company’s Christmas dinner. She sat next to the Managing Director. On hearing that she had converted to Islam he said to her “but you’re British, we want less of them, not more”.

Now you do not need to be a rocket scientist to realise that such a comment was stupid. The employee raised a grievance against the Managing Director. Given his position it was, perhaps, inevitable that the company would try and brush her grievance under the carpet. Following a poorly thought out and inept procedure, her grievance was rejected.

The employee made a complaint to an Employment Tribunal of discrimination on grounds of religion. Not unnaturally, the Tribunal found in her favour on two grounds. First, the disparaging comment made by the Managing Director and secondly, the way her grievance had been dealt with or, more accurately, not dealt with.

The lesson for employers and particularly senior managers is if your opinions are likely to cause offence and are discriminatory, keep them to yourself.

If, in a moment of weakness you say something foolish, don’t pretend you didn’t say it. Apologise at the earliest opportunity.

For other managers, although you may feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, try not to be intimidated if you have to investigate a grievance against your boss. However awkward it may be, all allegations of discrimination must be investigated fully and fairly.

Published 07/08/2007.