The core problem was not just policy but distorted perception at multiple stages.
- Clear, early communication of client expectations and leave rules could have reduced misperception on both sides.
- If Arjun had checked his perceptual biases (stereotyping, projection) and invited Riya’s perspective, he might have negotiated a better solution (e.g., partial rescheduling, sharing work with another team member, or splitting meeting responsibilities).
- If Riya had explicitly expressed how much planning went into the leave and asked to jointly explore options, both could have reached a perception of “problem solving together” rather than “win–lose confrontation.”