[CASE] Helping a Friend
Gregg, a salesman at a medium-sized manufacturing firm, had a close friend, John, who badly needed a job. John had now been out of work for 12 months. One day Gregg noticed his firm was about to post a job for a service technician that John could qualify for. Gregg’s boss mentioned at a staff meeting that if anyone in the office knew a really top-notch candidate for the job, to please tell him. Gregg knew John would not be considered top-notch given a couple of previous jobs that did not work out and now 12 months out of a job. Nonetheless, John badly needed a job, facing the final expiration of his health insurance. Gregg was determined to help John succeed and was willing to provide him whatever help he needed.
Questions for Discussion:
1. Can Gregg recommend John as the kind of top-notch candidate the boss asked for?
2. Should Gregg recommend that his boss hire John? If so, what should he say? Explain your reasoning.