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L4 Google -> 45 interviews, 5 offers, AMA
A week ago, a partner comes into the open work space (where a solid group of us are sitting) in a rush and directly asks a young male associate for a favor. Inadvertently, he says yes (because why would you ever say no to a partner a favor anyway?). So he asks "I'm running so late for a client meeting, and a spilled my coffee all over the desk in my office, can you go clean it?" Dumbfounded this kid just gets red in the face, agrees and goes to clean up this jerks spill. Mind you, this was front and center -- he was humiliated. Maybe, I just have gotten lower and lower tolerance for PPMD bullshit, but this feels like a crossed line. Am I alone here? Is this a norm I've been unaware of? Any similar stories at other places? This story goes hand in hand with other, glaring leadership missteps I've since been privy to this year alone, but this one was the most where I felt I'd been transported to a different time period.
Poor taste. Shame on PPEDs who treat the rank and file like personal assistants.
I think you may be inappropriately shaming the guy. Partners are human, and most have very few spare minutes in a day. If you spilled a coffee on your way to a client meeting, would you not hope that your team could help you out so you get there on time? Asking for help in a tight spot, even with something menial like this, shouldn't be met with criticism, regardless of who's asking.
Agree w others. Doesn't seem like big deal to me.
Yes and no. If the meeting would be in his office, yes, client is number 1. Everyone needs to help. If the meeting is elsewhere and he needs to leave, have the janitorial staff take care of it. Now, he could have asked more discreetly to not embarrass the associate in front of his friends.
Why didn't the guy clean his own desk? What am I missing here? Are people so dumb at Grant Thornton that they can't clean up a spill? WTF. The kid should have said no, you can handle that I have work to do.
It's a genuine favor from a human being. What's the big deal? Do a good job cleaning the damn desk, put some time on the calendar and get your facetime. I mean i don't know the intent or the extent of the relationship, but on an objective, human level, it doesn't come across as a big deal. People need to have some humility and thicker skin.
I’d do it if I liked the guy, otherwise I’d make a face :)
It doesn't sound like a big deal IMO. The partner asked for a favor, and the kid volunteered. We've all been there at some point, helping with menial tasks. Just laugh it off and try not to hold a grudge. I guarantee the partner would have cleaned it up himself if he didn't have a more important opportunity at the moment. He could turn this into a positive by bringing a spillproof mug for the partner next time as a clever joke, and then asking him to lunch or something.