You're Absolutely Right to Be Self-Righteous... Now, Let's Do a Reality Check...
August 13, 2010
In the world of HR, bad stuff happens all the time. That's what you get paid to deal with, right?
But sometimes, bad stuff happens, and you know you (and your company, that manager, etc.) were RIGHT. At that point, if the bad stuff in question is legal in nature, your first reaction is to fight. After all, you're right in what you did. Why would you or your company give in to settlement or mediation if you were absolutely right in the actions you took in an employment matter?
It's an emotional response heard often in the halls of corporate America, in companies both big and small.
Why wouldn't you fight if you were right? (apologies to the Beastie Boys, who encourage you to fight for your right) Because the meter is always running when it comes to legal matters. Which is to say you can be 100% right and someone still has the right to sue.
I've got a favorite saying when it comes to legal matters related to employment: "Allegations are Free". They don't cost anything and anyone has a right to file a claim.
Unfortunately, defending yourself from allegations isn't free. Which means the meter is always running when it comes to legal fees. Which means you get paid not only to deal with the bad stuff, but to control your rage/self-righteousness/indignation when it comes to bogus claims.
You get paid in those situations to ensure the meter doens't run in a way that costs you 4X what it should have. What it could have. That means you probably spend money to close the claim, even if you were right.
The meter always runs. You get to decide all the probabilities and the best place to stop the meter. It's like Vegas without the lights, fun and free buffets.
Great analogy w Vegas.... You gotta know when to hold em; know when to fold em
Posted by: Dawn Hrdlica Burke. @dawnHRrocks | August 13, 2010 at 08:58 AM
You could not be more right about this. It's like the bicyclist that won't yield to an automobile because he technically has the right of way. I say, it isn't worth ending up under the bus.
Posted by: Wellnesssucks | August 15, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Interesting article that reinforces the myth "the customer is always right". In this case the customer is the company. My research shows more often than not "your company, that manager, etc.) were RIGHT is dead wrong.
The article assumes;
(1) That company, managers, etc. are properly trained in employee rights.
(2) That all employment decisions are right.
(3) That employee don't know basic employee rights.
Unfortunately, #3 is a correct assumption for the most part. The overwhelming majority of career seekers and employees are ignorant or unaware of the most basic of employee rights.
My studies show when job seekers educate themselves about basic employee rights BEFORE seeking and accepting employment they are better equipped to recognize and protect "true" employment violations.
Likewise, employers that institute some form of TRUE employee rights training for management and employees tend to create an atmosphere of partnership rather than dictatorship.
This in turn fosters trust, mutual respect, increased moral and productivity. Thus, making the likelihood of "free allegations" or bogus claims less likely.
Posted by: Yancey the BasicEmployeeRights Advocate | August 17, 2010 at 05:13 PM
Great article but....there have not been free buffets in Vegas for years :)
Posted by: Mike G. | August 31, 2010 at 12:23 PM