Analysis of Expert Evaluation
Firestone’s perspective holds a stronger emphasis on Elizabeth’s mental health in the workplace. While it is true that the current workplace is extremely toxic and her skills would find her a position elsewhere, Firestone’s approach is essentially working towards an exit that prioritizes her mental health and allows for a fresh start. I do ultimately agree with Firestone that she should seek to find an exit and also, while difficult, refrain from merging emotions with the workplace.
Lazar’s perspective is more so advising Elizabeth to stand her ground to take advantage of her long career and position within the company. It leverages her experiences, stock options, and competency that she can negotiate for a stronger exit, leaving her better off financially and careerwise. However, this is blind in that it assumes that Elizabeth has more power than she appears to have. The crux of this entire situation lies on poor human management and an overall imbalance in power as a woman, despite Elizabeth’s experience and competence. Human resources as well as the current office politics failed to protect Elizabeth, and in fact rewarded Brad and his new lover.
Lazar assumes that the situation will become better or tip in Elizabeth’s favor. However, this is not the case and the current situation is unsustainable to work in. There is no significant promise that the situation will improve, and is quite frankly a strong example of the sunk cost fallacy. The current environment is not supportive of her now, and will not be supportive of her later.
Elizabeth is valuable in her current position, as she is training the younger colleague to practically replace her. She should seek employment with competitors and then leave her employment when the time is right. The company will either pay a premium to retain her, or suffer the loss of her employment in a critical position. This is her strongest negotiation, as she has a job to take if she is fired, is vital for the success of the future event, and has the opportunity to speak out against Brad and HR for unfair treatment. In doing so, she has job security and can speak out for what is right.
Perspective of a Manager
If I was in the position of the manager I would take a more neutral stance in that strongly discouraging all office-romance. PDA is distracting to the workplace, and enforcing that would ensure that Elizabeth is not harassed during her time at work all the while allowing the couple their freedom to personal affairs outside of work. Additionally, I would evaluate the need for the younger colleague is essential at the conference, as it seems like she is attending out of convenience for Brad. As a work affair, she should not be present if she is not relevant. I would limit all interactions between them, unless needed.
It would also be good to see if Brad is abusing his power, as he was in two office romances. He should be sat down that his behavior is unprofessional and should keep his personal affairs out of the office.
