I don’t wholeheartedly agree either of the expert opinions on the matter. Due to its delicate nature both experts offer compelling arguments for either case: leaving or staying. In particular, Karen Firestone asserts that Elizabeth is an “extremely attractive candidate” meaning it wouldn’t be difficult for her to find a position at a different company. The worry does come in financial compensation as her current salary and stock options are hard to be matched by other companies. The free-flowing and more communal structure surrounding succeeding startups also make for opportunities to build strong relationships within the organization, something that would be difficult to find at existing fortune-500 companies. However, I somewhat disagree with Karen’s take on Elizabeth’s “real mistake” of “becoming too invested in someone who wasn’t as invested in her..”. Human relationships are always tricky and while taking caution is advisable, no one truly has clear foresight. In this context, I believe it’s better to do away from the corporate side and recognize that Elizabeth took a risk on a romantic partner, just as any other human will. Here, Wendi S. Lazar’s comments are more agreeable. The risk of any romantic relationship is amplified in a work setting, especially in a corporate culture where men are more favored than women in the situation, regardless of outcome. While the more free-flowing nature of her current company is beneficial and ideal for her, Lazar is keen on highlighting this part of the company’s culture that proves to be damaging for Elizabeth. This part, I entirely agree, as Elizabeth should be more wary of how the company manages these sort of relationship dynamics for both men and women.
In this light, if I were a manager and I discovered the situation, I would best keep in mind that both Elizabeth and Brad are humans in this situation and should first be approached in that way. No doubt Elizabeth is still a strong worker and valuable to the company, despite her distracted state. In this sense, I would go in with the goal of helping Elizabeth return to form and focus. Advising her to go on a business trip with Claudia (and Brad), and even mentor Claudia given the knowledge of their interpersonal dynamics is rather insensitive. I would still respect Elizabeth’s decision to leave the company or transfer to the London branch if she so chooses to, and work and talk with Elizabeth to see what the company can do to help her. Perhaps this comes in the form of stricter policing around office relationships (which should have marginal consequences on their ability to work). While romantic relationships are celebrated, there is still a timeliness and sensible thinking of when and where is appropriate, especially given the delicacy of the situation. Conversations with Brad would be necessary, regardless of his position as CFO, because when it comes to relationships, we are all equal in standing as human beings.
