A recent social media post by Priyanka Joshi, a Geographic Information System (GIS) professional, has sparked a lively online debate about hiring decisions. Joshi shared her experience of having to reject a job candidate who, while seemingly a good person, lacked the necessary skills for the role. She admitted that she sensed the candidate’s desperation, perhaps due to financial pressures like supporting a family or managing EMIs. However, she emphasized that her professional judgment had to take precedence over empathy, describing it as a difficult but necessary decision.
Joshi drew parallels to the Bhagavad Gita’s principle of ‘Nishkama Karma,’ which advocates performing one’s duties without attachment to the results. She explained that in this context, karma is about acting in accordance with one’s role and responsibilities, free from sentiment or guilt.
In a follow-up comment, she clarified that the reason for not offering a training opportunity was the short-term nature of the project, which required someone who could immediately contribute. The post garnered significant attention, with a mix of positive and negative reactions. While some users applauded her professionalism and decision-making, others suggested alternative approaches, such as offering a different job or connecting the candidate with other professionals in her network who might need their skills.
The discussion highlights the complex considerations involved in hiring, where balancing empathy for candidates with the practical requirements of a role and the needs of a project can be a delicate act.