Thread by @WoleOluyemiCo

Janet (name disguised), one of my mentees, was sacked last week with practically zero notice period. I was angry.

I read her employment letter when she got the job and I thought I knew the content.

I didn't realize she went back to renegotiate one of the clauses.

#Thread #WO

Apparently, she went back to negotiate the termination clause.

The company had a policy that termination or resignation required 4-weeks notice with no payment-in-lieu.

She didn't like it. It limits her flexibility to switch to a new job if such an opportunity comes.

They agreed to give her a waiver because they desperately needed her.

The company now agreed to amend the clause to say that both parties could terminate the employment contract with one week notice or payment in lieu. The updated employment letter was signed.

She was happy. She got what she wanted. She thanked one of her mentors and motivational speaker who she listens to regularly. He had encouraged people to ask for what they want. She did and she got it.

Fast forward to 8 months later. Business has been very bad and her division has not been meeting their targets. The BOD met and asked the MD to reorganize and rightsize the various divisions.

Yes - she was the first on the list. They gave her the August salary plus one week salary in lieu of notice.

She was angry and hurt.

She had thought the amendment that was made (and she signed) was only for her to be able to resign with the 1 week notice. She thought the company would still be required to give her 4 weeks notice.

Unfortunately, in the spirit of fairness and equity, unless specifically structured differently, exit and termination clauses are usually structured to treat both parties equally.

What is good for the goose should be good for the gander.

So, technically, the game was over.

But, I don't give up on my community members (even though we've never met before). I decided to chat with one of my friends on the BOD of that company.

The response was heart breaking.

My mentee (I can't disown her) was actually leading a group of junior employees to demand a salary increase during the peak of the pandemic in May/June despite knowing that the company struggled to pay the FULL salaries of all employees with ZERO revenue.

The game is over.

She just lacked emotional intelligence although she is very smart, brilliant and technically strong. Believe me, she is a great person.

Learn from Janet's experience and consciously work on your emotional intelligence. She is working on it too.

#WO