Why was I reprimanded?

Question

I was on the phoen with a potential client, and told him the name of a company like "Gossett". I spelled it out by saying "G for giggly gloworm, o, s for slippery salami, s for serendipitous suzey q, e, t for tumultuous turmoil, t for tired teat". the client laughed and said "I don't htink this is a good ideda." WHAT THE FUDGE GIVES AND DID THIS COST ME MY JOB? DO I HAVE A LAWSUIT?

I meant "as in" instead of "for"

Answer 1

I am not sure I would consider your client's response to be a reprimand, per se, but rather an expression of surprise at the use of rather unorthodox examples for the letters. Most people would say "G as in George, o, S as in Sam, S as in Sam, T as in Tom". I think I would probably chuckle if someone said "G as in giggly gloworm", too, and also wonder how much of a professional is the person with whom I am dealing. I'd also hazard a guess that there is no chance of a lawsuit as any client reserves the right to conduct their business with anyone they wish and to not do business with people who come off as a little too unusual, unprofessional or unserious. Let's face it - there are too many lawsuits in the country already.

If you're a business where you are trying to get money from someone, it is a better idea to be conservative, traditional and clear. Clever is fine, but cutesy is a little hard to take seriously.

Good Luck

Answer 2

First of all, the lack of professionalism and tact would have caused management to raise their eyebrows. But the use of Slippery Salami is all you needed, as this could be and most likey was construded by the client has being a sexual innuedo that could be considered sexual harassment. Gender does not matter, whether you are male or female does not matter nor does the gender of the potential client.

In most cases, sexual harassment is cause for immediate dismissal without recourse. It does not matter if this was a case of bad humour, if anyone heard this, and it offended anyone. You have created a poisionous environment, and all employees and clients are entitled to a healthy environment in the workplace.

Do you have a lawsuit, sure, but will you win, chances are slim. What matters is that you offended someone, you lacked tact and most likely broke various HR rules. I doubt that you would come out on top.

Answer 3

I believe your speech was too childlike. using two words instead of one, and the cutesy style (giggly gloworm?) might have given this potential client the impression that you did not take your job seriously. I'm not saying you don't, just that it might have appeared that you don't. Perhaps next time you should stick with one word: Gossett (use everyday words) G=green o=orange s=something s=sandy e=every t=tree t=tree. Hey it's not as funny, but that's the whole point! I doubt this would lead to a lawsuit, though.

Answer 4

I hate to say it but..I'd start looking in the want ads tomorrow morning if I were you. You have to treat EVERY client with a high level of respect no matter how cool you are with that person. If you were on your home phone or even your cell, you can say pretty much what you want but you were on the company time & phone and that was not cool. If you want people to follow you and notice your work, you have to lead by example.

Answer 5

You were definitely on the edge of propriety (slippery salami, tired teat). It could be considered sexual harassment. Your employer could be sued for allowing you to harass clients or fellow employees. If you did not loose your job you got lucky. I wouldn't do it again if I were you.

Answer 6

On the phone with a POTENTIAL client and you talk like a toddler? You represent the company and your behavior reflects on your boss and the company. Unprofessional behavior doesn't justify a lawsuit, especially if it wasn't your first time talking like that.

Answer 7

Did it cost you your job?
If this was you first "offence" I would only give you a warning but if you had "messed up" before you would be gone!
I would be embarrassed to have you as an employee!
I want my employees to portray a mature business demeanour; not junior high locker room!
There would be just cause for firing you; no lawsuit.