Litigation Value: Surprisingly, maybe $0
Maybe this is just a reflection on me and my days as an HR Director, but I didn’t see much that would really nail Dunder Mifflin this week. Sure, Meredith has been having an affair with a vendor to get discounts for the company. But it didn’t come out that management suggested, encouraged, or even knew about it. When they found out, Holly pressed on and investigated and found that Meredith really enjoys her steak. Now, Dunder Mifflin should have probably counseled Meredith against it, and maybe changed vendors; but termination would have been risky. So, good job. What am I saying?
When faced with the possibility of terminating Meredith, Michael’s initial reaction was “hell no, she’s family.” However, it seems that he came to the realization that he works in an office — and he’s going to have to make tough decisions about people that he’s developed close, personal relationships with at work. (OK, I sure hope that Michael stops coming to realizations and learning! Ugh!)
On our end, we see that everyday. It’s important that our front line supervisors and managers keep the balance between work and personal relationships. It’s virtually impossible not to become friendly with coworkers. (Heck, even Dwight and Angela have developed quite a little relationship — all 19:28 of it this week.) OK, not that friendly. However, these relationships can’t cross the line, and we have to instruct our supervisors that they still must take action when necessary — regardless of who is on the receiving end! Even if that means giving up free sirloin.
What about Kendall’s decision to overlook Meredith’s behavior (and even quietly approved of it)? Perhaps there was nothing actionable before, but certainly there is now that Kendall chose not to put to a stop to it after it was brought to his attention.
“Where’s the Beef?”
That’s what SHE said.