While fetching coffee from the cafeteria, Pappettan and I noticed two friends of ours engaged in a heated conversation. On seeing them, Pappettan approached them. After greeting them, Pappettan wasted no time.
Pappettan: *with genuine concern* Why are you guys arguing?
Friend 1: *angrily* We are working together on a project. But his team is unable to manage it.
Friend 2: *frustrated* We could manage it very well if your guy is not blowing things out of proportion.
Friend 1: *agitated* How can you say my guy is blowing things out of proportion? Your guy is so laid-back that he is not able to predict problems.
Pappettan: *plays the role of a peace broker* Wait. "My guy" and "Your guy". Who are these guys? It looks like you are fighting about people who are working for you.
Friend 1: *takes a step back and explains* Let me explain. As part of this project, my team is facing the customer while his team is executing. His team feeds the status of the project into my team who engages with the customer.
Pappettan: *nods*
Friend 1: *continues with his explanation* Now the person in charge of the execution doesn't do anything right. As a result, my team has to cover for him. After a while, they get annoyed at the attitude of this person and escalates. Eventually, I am annoyed.
Pappettan: *pleasantly* Let us park the annoyance bit. Does any work get done?
Friend 1: *without hesitation* Yes.
Pappettan: *curious* How?
Friend 2: *explains* We all collaborate and ensure the issues are sorted out.
Pappettan: *in a interrogative mode* Could this have been solved by the person in charge of execution?
Friend 2: *after a brief pause* Yes.
Pappettan: *continues his line of questioning* Is the person in charge reporting to you?
Friend 2: *quickly* No. He is reporting to another person who is reporting to me.
Pappettan: *smiling* I know the issue. All of you do not know your organization structure.
Friend 1 and Friend 2: *exclaims* What?
Pappettan: *solving the puzzle* The person in charge of execution is the real manager. You are all reporting to him. He has delegated his work to all of you.
Photo Courtesy: Tambako The Jaguar
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