Q. Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department.
He joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seem to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of boss’s style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publically. It became apparent that though there are no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realized that his relations with his senior officer are becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and contented even t home. Rather without any reason he would loose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behaviour. Due to harassment and humiliation suffering by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus it damaged his physical and mental health.
o What are the options available with Pawan to cope with the situation?
o What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace, tranquillity and congenial environment in the office and home?
o As an outsider, what are your Suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene?
o In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for at various levels in the government offices?
Question from UPSC Mains 2021 GS4 Paper
Model Answer:
Options Available with Pawan to Cope with the Situation:
- Confrontation: Pawan can confront his senior officer and express his grievances and concerns regarding the belittling and unreasonable behavior. This will help to bring the issue to light and may result in a positive resolution.
- Seeking Support: Pawan can seek support from his colleagues or other superiors who may be able to intervene and resolve the issue. This will provide him with emotional and social support to cope with the stress and anxiety.
- Counseling and Therapy: Pawan can seek professional counseling and therapy to manage his stress, anxiety, and emotional distress. This will help him to develop coping strategies and improve his mental health.
Approach for Bringing Peace, Tranquility, and Congenial Environment:
Pawan should adopt a collaborative and solution-focused approach for bringing peace, tranquility, and congenial environment in the office and home. This approach involves:
- Identifying the problem: Pawan should identify the root cause of the problem and work towards resolving it. This may involve having an open and honest conversation with his senior officer and seeking support from other colleagues or superiors.
- Developing a Plan of Action: Pawan should develop a plan of action for resolving the issue and improving the work environment. This may involve setting clear goals, establishing effective communication channels, and promoting a culture of respect and collaboration.
- Implementing the Plan: Pawan should implement the plan of action and work towards achieving the desired outcome. This may involve making necessary adjustments and seeking feedback from others.
Suggestions for Improving Work Performance, Mental, and Emotional Hygiene:
- Establishing clear performance expectations: Bosses should establish clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback and support to their subordinates. This will help to improve work performance and job satisfaction.
- Promoting positive work environment: Bosses should promote a positive work environment by fostering open communication, respect, and collaboration. This will help to improve mental and emotional hygiene and reduce workplace stress and anxiety.
- Providing Training and Development: Employers should provide training and development opportunities to their employees to enhance their skills, knowledge, and professional growth. This will help to improve work performance and job satisfaction.
Type of Training for Various Levels in Government Offices:
- Leadership Training: Government officials should receive leadership training to develop effective leadership skills and improve their ability to manage and lead their teams.
- Communication Training: Government officials should receive communication training to improve their ability to communicate effectively with their colleagues, subordinates, and superiors.
- Emotional Intelligence Training: Government officials should receive emotional intelligence training to improve their ability to understand and manage their emotions, and to develop empathy and social skills.
- Conflict Resolution Training: Government officials should receive conflict resolution training to develop skills for resolving conflicts effectively and promoting a positive work environment.