John McDonnell berates Sajid Javid. How should he respond?

The new chancellor of the exchequer has been criticised by Labour’s big hitter. How should he respond?

By Tim Gibson

The shadow chancellor of the exchequer John McDonnell has launched a stinging attack on his opposite number in the government, Sajid Javid.

Writing to PM Boris Johnson, Mr McDonnell questioned the chancellor’s suitability for office, claiming his former role as a banker at Deutsche Bank undermines his trustworthiness.

In his letter, the Labour stalwart said that Mr Javid’s involvement in selling controversial collateralised debt obligation (CDOs) while in a senior role with the German investment bank is a reason not to trust him with the nation’s economy.

Mr McDonnell also drew attention to the chancellor’s alleged involvement in a tax-avoidance scheme for which Deutsche Bank was criticised in 2016.

The chancellor is yet to respond to Mr McDonnell’s criticisms. But Peter Foy, a director at Just Recruitment Group Ltd, says that he must be tempted to rebut the claims in order to prove his suitability for high office.

    "If someone criticises you in a professional context, the first instinct is to defend yourself"  

“If someone criticises you in a professional context, the first instinct is to defend yourself,” Mr Foy says. “But it may be that this course of action isn’t the most sensible.

“Think about it like this: by addressing the criticisms, he’ll give them further airtime. More than that, he accords them credibility, because he shows that he takes them seriously. But by keeping quiet and getting on with his job, Mr Javid can put the whole thing to one side and denude Mr McDonnell’s broadside of its force.”

Mr Foy is careful not to offer an opinion about the legitimacy of the shadow chancellor’s claims. But he does think there’s a valuable lesson for all professionals to learn from the experience.

“It can be stinging to receive criticism in a work context, especially from a competitor,” he says. “The professional response is to rise above it. There will always be people who don’t think you’re up to your job, especially if you have a high-profile role in politics, education or commerce. That’s one of the costs of leadership. And the way to deal with it is to focus on your job, working to the best of your ability.”

That said, Mr Foy thinks it’s a bad idea to be driven by a desire to prove your detractors wrong.

“Trying to demonstrate your worth is a slippery slope. You can seem plaintive or desperate, which isn’t a good look and won’t inspire confidence. In fact, it’ll have the opposite effect: if people think you’ve gone on the defensive, it undermines your credibility.”

    "The professional response is to rise above it"  

But what if the criticisms are levelled at you directly, as they may be to a politician like Mr Javid in a news conference, say, or to a company manager at a staff meeting? How are you to deal with them then?

Mr Foy is very clear in his response to this question: “Never ignore a challenge, but be careful not to be defensive when responding to it. Let your questioner know that everyone’s entitled to their view but that you have confidence in your fitness for the role you hold.

“Resist the urge to invite judgment by your results. Anyone in business or politics will tell you that there’s not always a correlation between the quality of a leader and the results they produce. Sadly, life is rarely that simple.”

How to deal with criticism: three steps

1) Honesty. It can hurt when someone questions your professional bona fides. There’s no harm in acknowledging this fact, even if you don’t accept the criticism. Some of the best managers show their human side without undermining their authority.

2) Be positive. Rather than telling people why the criticisms of you are misplaced, highlight the positives. Remind them why your experience and skills make you the right person for the job. If Mr Javid believes his banking experience will make him a more effective chancellor, it would be worth him saying so.

3) Focus on the job at hand. Don’t let criticism put you off your stroke. Everyone in a senior position receives it from time to time. Focus on doing your job as well as you can. If the criticism is unmerited, you’ll soon demonstrate that fact.

Published: 8 August 2019

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like this: Five ways to make your people more creative

You may also enjoy: Five habits of great employees

Jobs currently available

CNC Punch Operator
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913677
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing engineering business based in Sudbury to recruit a CNC Punch Operator on a full-time permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for setting and operating the punch machines. Previous experience is necessary, preferably with running Trumpf CNC machines.

Key duties include:

  • Ensuring that quality is the driving force behind all aspects of the role
  • Developing and implementing best working practice for better punching productivity
  • Optimising processes to improve efficiency and quality
  • Confident in delivering to a production schedule

Role requirements include:

  • Experienced background with sheet metal CNC punching
  • Familiarity with various sheet metal materials, including steel, aluminium and stainless steel
  • Ability to read engineering drawings
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams — this will extend to management
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with an operating background to join an exciting and ever-growing manufacturing company, offering further training and development.

Working hours are Monday to Thursday, 6.00am to 4.30pm or 6.00am to 5.00pm.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Plastic Vacuum Form Setter
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913676
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing manufacturing company in Sudbury to recruit a full-time, permanent Plastic Vacuum Form Setter/Operator.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for setting and operating the plastic vacuum forming machine. You need to have previous experience, preferably running machines with tools up to 1.5 metres long.

Key duties include:

  • Ensuring that quality is the driving force behind all aspects of the role
  • Developing and implementing best working practice for better punching productivity
  • Optimising processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety
  • Confident in delivering to a production schedule

Role requirements:

  • Experienced background working with vacuum forming machines
  • Familiarity with various plastic materials and thicknesses
  • Ability to read engineering drawings
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams — this will extend to management
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

This is an excellent opportunity for you if you have a setting and operating background to join an exciting and ever-growing manufacturing company, offering further training and development.

Working hours are Monday to Thursday, 6.00am to 4.30pm or 6.30pm to 5.00pm.

Free parking is available on-site.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
IT Executive
Sector: Information Technology
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913675
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing, global manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit an IT Executive to join their team.

The key purpose of this role is to support IT operations within the manufacturing site, working closely with 3rd party IT providers and the global IT team. This role will support the growth of the business as it continues to ramp up production capacity.

Duties include:

  • Identify and proactively address IT service and infrastructure risks
  • Identify and implement innovative solutions to streamline day-to-day processes and keep up-to-date with new technologies
  • Manage vendors and internal customer service to agreed standards
  • Manage the replacement cycle as well as day-to-day maintenance of the IT network and infrastructure on-site, carrying out server management, maintenance and back-ups in line with best practice methodologies
  • Oversee IT projects to ensure that they meet business requirements and are actioned in a timely manner
  • Responsible for the support of all software packages within the business, including installation, training, upgrades, maintenance, licences and day-to-day user support
  • Maintain an asset register for all IT business assets (hardware and software)
  • Manage cybersecurity risks, working with the Global IT team as needed

Role requirements:

  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Methodical approach to problem solving
  • Strong time management and prioritisation
  • Keen to learn and implement innovative solutions in the spirit of continuous improvement

Required qualifications and experience:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in IT or a similar subject
  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar or frontline IT role in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong hardware management skills (server control, networking)
  • Experience working with/implementation of Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC)

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business, offering a fabulous working location.

Hours for the role are 08.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday (with 1 hour lunch break) - you are required to be on-site Monday to Friday.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
QA Assistant
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913504
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business on the outskirts of Sudbury to recruit a Quality Assistant to join their experienced, technically skilled team.

The key purpose of the role is to support the business with all quality-based duties as directed by the Quality Manager and wider management team.

Duties include:

  • Assist with setting up and operating a Quality Assurance laboratory to screen all incoming raw materials and finished products manufactured on-site.
  • Ensuring legislative safety requirements and specific customer practices are adhered to.
  • Continuous management and alignment to industry requirements.
  • Undertaking internal audits relating to GMP and finished product requirements.
  • Maintain traceability, hygiene, quality, and process records with validation of results, identification of trends, root cause analysis where applicable and instigation of corrective actions.
  • Work closely with third-party certification bodies for sustainability, religious and ethical obligations.
  • Carry out sampling and investigations for microbiological, allergen, nutritional or customer requirements.
  • Working with essential service providers such as Pest Control, Hygiene, and work wear providers.
  • Assist with new product/process trials.
  • Communicate effectively with all the departments across all levels.
  • Flexibility to carry out additional duties as deemed necessary by the business.

Qualifications and experience required:

  • Internal auditing experience.
  • Ability to use all IT-based packages.

You will be a team player, self-motivated and possess excellent attention to detail.

Working hours are from Monday to Friday - working a 3 shift rotating pattern, early, late and night shifts.

This role offers a competitive basic salary along with a shift allowance and is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop your career.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Accounts Administrator (Full-Time or Part-Time)
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913674
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded and long-standing family business based on the outskirts of Colchester to add an Accounts Administrator to their team.

You will need to have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with Sage 50 accounts and Sage payroll, with the ability to work on your own initiative.

The role is focused within the remit of bookkeeping up to trial balance using Sage software.

Duties include:

  • Ensure timely and accurate recording of financial transactions.
  • Daily financial operations, including posting of supplier invoices, reconciliation of supplier accounts, accounts payable management, creation of customer invoices, accounts receivable management, etc.
  • Perform bank/credit-card reconciliations, including a factoring banking account and Petty cash accounts.
  • Quarterly VAT returns and analysis. (including RTI submission to HMRC).
  • Prepare weekly aged creditors reports and process the weekly supplier payment run accordingly.
  • Prepare monthly aged debtors reports and provide credit control where required.
  • Maintain cashflow forecast for the Finance Director to review.
  • Process monthly payroll, payments, journal entries and year-end procedures (including RTI submission to HMRC).
  • Manage auto-enrolment pension contributions, submissions and legal returns to the pensions regulator.

Skills required:

  • Significant experience in finance or accounting.
  • Proficiency with accounting software, Sage 50, and payroll.
  • Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Excel.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in data entry.
  • Effective decision-making and problem-solving techniques within a finance environment.

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. With 1 hour lunch break.
  • This role is flexible and offers a 4 day week.

Free parking is available.

Due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more