Did I do the right thing??

Hello, All...
I'm employed as a manager of a amimal boarding facility by a wonderful couple who have become close friends.
It is a small but successful business, but we have had some major problems retaining good help.
We recently hired a nice young woman who, at the moment, needs to rely on others for transportation.
On Monday, I was assisting a client couple placing two cat carriers into their vehicle when Jane arrived being driven by her friend, who frequently provides her with a ride.
As I was walking around Jane's friend's car behind the couple, I noticed that the clients looked up towards Jane's friend's car and my eyes followed. Jane's friend has a sign...bright red...in the back window of her car that says....WHAT THE #%@_&&^^% (you get the idea)
I KNOW the client saw it.
I debated with myself for awhile wondering if I should say something to Jane, and I did. My bosses where not on the premisis at the time.
I was very nice and matter of fact with Jane, and I asked her to tell her friend to remove the sign, at least when she is on business property. Jane said that she has asked her friend to get rid of the sign, but the friend forgot...or something.
Trust me, I'm no prude, and perhaps it's not my job to take on a crusade to rid the world of profanity, but the fact of the matter is that the sign is offensive and my logic is that we don't want clients offended. Did I do the right thing?? Les

I certainly think Les that you handled the situation with diplomacy...why anyone would ride around with the profanity on their vehicle is beyong me....

I hope you have a chance to explain your side to the clients sometime too. some young people think signs like that are funny and don't 'get' it when other people complain. They hear your request but in three seconds, their brains have moved on to the next thing. You might reassure Jane how you're pleased with her work but businesses have to be careful about not offending people , because it would cost them money and eventually, jane's job. Blame it on the unseen others.

I don't think you were at all out of line requesting this. The employee's friend should realize that it puts the employee -- and your business -- in a bad light when customers see that kind of thing.

Well, it is nice for Jane's friend to drive Jane to work. However, I agree with the others that you had every right to say something since the friend was on company property. More than likely, Jane's friend didn't "forget" to remove the sign when on company property--they just didn't care whether or not it is offensive.(and bad for your business) That seems to be the motto for a great many of today's young people: "Who Cares?" Actually that is putting it mildly--their true motto is one that can't even be repeated here! Such a sad sign of the times!

Les, I don't know you, and that's all the more reason that I want to chime in and agree with everyone else and say you did the right thing. I'd also like to point out Jane's reaction to what you said and did. She didn't argue, she agreed. She made an excuse, but she said you were right too. I'm sure that because of how you handled this is why you can be trusted to be a manager where you work.

If Jane's friend "can't remember" to take the sign down maybe she can drop Jane off somewhere that clients won't see her exiting the car. It's just a thought, but it might be a good resolution for everyone involved.

Ya did good.
I look at bumpstickers and window signs and think how many steps it took for that become part of the car. First the person sees it at a store, thinks "Wow isn't that cool"; and makes the purchase. Then still thinks it's a Grand Thing and takes the steps to put it on the car. Then Never sees it again and thinks; "well that was a stupid thing to do" and removes it.

Personally I would have made the request as you did. But so long as this girl is relying on others for transportation all she can do to request the sign be removed. After that the car owner alone is responsible and Jane should not be made to feel bad for the crudeness of a third party.

If the sign embarrasses her she can ask they drop her off at the gate, down the street or whatever but since it is not her car she cannot insist they remove it.

If the sign were on the car of a customer who spends big money at your business, would you ask them to remove it, comment that you find it offensive, refuse to do business with them? If so then you might be in a position to insist they not drive on the property while it is diplayed. But in doing so Jane may lose her transportation and you may lose a good worker.

Inmy opinion, that is a decision that only the owners of the business should make. My suggestion would be to discuss it with them before the situation is repeated.

I'm inclined to agree with Zanymuse on this. Jane can't help what her friend thinks is funny. However, it seems to me that the easiest way to go would be for Jane to have the friend drop her off somewhere before she is actually on the business property, since it seems to be an issue. I wonder if she will do that?

I don't blame you. I find some of those bumper stickers, highly offensive, and some of those t-shirts also. I myself, don't do business at places that are profane and crude. I applaud you for your discretion.