A fundamental attribution error

Fairytales for people managers. Part 1

Stories for leaders of leaders

Fairytales for people managers. Part 1

At 9 am, Peter was sitting in the HR director’s office drinking hot, tasty coffee. They were informally discussing Jenny, Peter’s subordinate.

– How is she doing? — Helen, HR director, asked.

– Well, in general she’s doing well, — replied Peter thoughtfully, — But I am afraid she has some difficulties with time management.

– Does she? — Helen raised her brows.

– Jenny has fallen behind the schedule in a couple of projects.

– Was this her fault?

– I am positive that it was. It’s not that difficult to plan your day or week to work efficiently. She has to make an effort — that’s it, — Peter shrugged.

Two hours later, Peter was sitting in Anna’s office. Anna was his boss, and, looking at her face, Peter guessed that today wouldn’t be the day of his promotion.

– We need to discuss your time management skills, — Anna said coldly, — You often fall behind the schedule, and this disturbs me.

– Yes, I know that I do, but it’s not my fau…