When working with some snowflakes, even disagreement on a technical matter can be an offense - even while keeping things strictly professional. One such case:
One engineer, a woman, insisted on using a certain type of flowmeter which would have been entirely inappropriate for the application. It did not matter that the manufacturer themselves said it would not work, same for the client’s maintenance engineer. Both the manufacturer and the client’s maintenance engineer agreed that my choice was best, so that was what was installed. Well, she did not like the results, claimed that I was completely wrong, etc., and she installed her meter downstream of mine. The measurement from hers was pure noise - unuseable. But it was still my fault, and I got called before HR. I oppressed her, I “couldn’t work with people”, I was hostile, blah, blah, blah. Some of the other engineers and the operations and maintenance people were wondering how that conclusion was arrived.
It was clear that engineering company had become a “reality free zone.”
I went to another engineering company shortly afterwards.
Been there done that...however I didn’t yield either and was very happy the day I handed in my resignation soon after - effective then and there..and much to their utter surprise, and with a request for severance.
It was so worth it to see HR face as she fumbeled around with her words and shuffling papers to get a handle on the moment. In no time she excused herself to speak to the higher ups, which I stated would not change my mind before she left...that a simple agreement to my terms was sufficient.
After 25 minutes she cam back and they had agreed....I won! As soon as papers were signed I thanked them for the period of employment...extended my hand and promptly left the building under my own accord.....How sweet it was to walk through the building and out the door without a word to anyone else. I loved it and never looked back!
It was significant to me I called these end shots....and that they have no idea it was coming. Phone calls later I did not answer. It was a done deal!