An Office Romance Gone Wrong…

Key Characters:

Brad

Brad: CFO Liz’s

Boss

Elizabeth’s Boss
Elizabeth

Claudia: New joinee Elizabeth: Star Sales

Performer

The characters depicted work in a software start-up with about 75 employees…

Case Facts: Jab They Met
• Liz & Brad rarely interacted at work.
• They usually represented the company in investor conferences

 Drinks after last Session?

 The whole gang?
 Just me. Others flying
 Ok..!! Hotel Bar @7..
back.

 See you there.

More Case Facts: Pole Khul Gaya..
• A few days later he asked her out on a “Real Date.”
• Initially, Liz was unsure, but Brad assured they wouldn’t be breaking rules. So she said “YES”.
• Brad had no say in Liz’ pay. They were more like peers.
• They kept this relation a secret, until one Saturday night, some
colleagues spotted them at a restaurant.
• Liz’ boss requested her to keep this outside office and not damage
her reputation in the office.
• Liz’ embarrassment soon turned into frustration.
The fallout: Judaai..
• Two months hence, they hit a break.
• Liz found out that Brad was not emotionally involved in the relationship.

 Sorry. Work emergency.

Left phone in Uber.
 Couldn’t borrow a phone
or email?
 Busy with board stuff, working
all night.  With Claudia?

 We should talk. Café @11?

Break ke Baad:
• She realized he had called her to the company café so she couldn’t create a
scene.
• He gave his reasons. She felt blindsided, hurt and angry. But, she kept her
cool.

Obviously, I’m surprised and

Thanks for justifiably, upset. Clearly, this
understanding Lizzy. I wasn’t what I thought it was,
knew you would be a and you aren’t who I thought
professional about this.. you were, so it’s probably
best that its over…
Break ke Baad ( Continued… ):
• Liz thought she could handle it.
• She felt a brief rush of vindication when a newly appointed HR was instituting an anti-fraternization
policy. But, the policy applied only to people with reporting relationships.
• The CEO announced the new rules in an all-staff meeting. He even seemed to reference Brad and
Claudia – “Of course, we are not trying to break up any happy couples.”

 Can I ask a favor?  ?

 Would you mind toning it  Tone Down what?

down with Claudia at the
office?  Not sure I do. We’re trying
to stay out of your way.
 You know what I mean. But you have to get over
this.
Claudia meets Liz..
 Do you have a minute Liz?  What is it?
 I just wanted to let you know ………  I wish you both the very best of luck.
And you should probably hear this You seem just perfect together.
from me first: Brad and I are
engaged.

• Liz gave herself a few minutes to collect herself and then tracked down her boss.
Too Much: Liz meets Boss..
Does it really have to be me?
We need you to groom
Claudia…….

Liz couldn’t believe it. Going on a business trip with her ex-boyfriend and his fiancée,
that too, to mentor her so that she could take over a role that she herself had created.
 The Dilemma…
• Liz got calls from headhunters all the time. She was a star seller.
• She was perhaps an intended contender for the C-suite.
• Her package was sort of insane.

Should she, could she, just “suck it” up?

Or was it time to move on?

• Leave the org for some other startup

• Leave for other Fortune 500 company
• Get a transfer in London in the same org
• Stay in the same company and location
 Perceptions and Decision Making
• Stereotyping !!
• Standardized HR norms. Anti-Fraternity policy
• Zero tolerance - (PDA)
• C suite executive – Higher responsibility and professionalism expected.
• Display of empathy
• Office Romance may have career repercussions
 Possible Solution…
“You can’t look back – you just have to put the past behind you, and find something better
in your future.” – Jodi Picoult

Seek help from a life coach, a friend or preferably a life coach and take a little time to
ponder
Once she is in a better state of mind, she can make an informed decision

• Liz can approach the management for her future plans involving
interaction with Claudia for a better working environment.
• The management on its part can show support to Liz by offering a
vacation and giving her time to recover.
 THANK YOU

• OB Group 2 - Section B
• Sagnika • Aditya
• Kavleen • Suyash
• Suraj • Shubham
• Sudhanshu • Abhishek
• Ashwin • Harshit