Almost fired over a smile: Why emotional intelligence matters as much as skills in Indian workplaces

When a smile nearly cost a young professional his job, the internet took notice. A viral Reddit post has sparked an uncomfortable conversation about the fragility of corporate hierarchies, ego-driven management, and how remote work exposed deep cracks in workplace culture. The post, shared in late October, recounts the experience of a fresher who joined a mid-sized company during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. During an introductory Zoom meeting with a senior leader, he smiled at a lighthearted moment, only to discover six months later that the same senior had reportedly felt insulted and pushed for his termination over the incident. His managers quietly shielded him and handled the situation without letting him know. But the story, both absurd and eye-opening, resonated wid