HR should never rush to punish disrespectful and rude workers

The common mistake that supervisors make is be quick to punish an employee deemed to be on the wrong in a conflict. [iStockphoto]

John was always perfect in his work. But he was rude and lacked respect. He had on several occasions been accused of professional misconduct.

When the organisation he worked for could no longer tolerate him, he was dismissed. He sought court redress and to the utter disbelieve of the firm, was reinstated with hefty compensation for wrongful dismissal.