Do words like these come to mind when you
think of
some of the employees you supervise? Then
you need an attitude adjustment!
There are only 3 options for you in dealing
with such
an employee:
- Change the way you think about the employee
- Help the employee out the door
- Make the business decision to endure
because the
employee is simply indispensable (and don't
expect
anyone to agree with you)
1. Change the Way You Think about the
Employee because you are of
no use to the employee with your
current attitude. Seriously, what are the
chances
you will help them succeed in their job and
contribute
positively to the company given thoughts like
"lazy"
or "incompetent"?
Most people come to work hoping to do well
and be
appreciated for their efforts. For any
number of
reasons, that doesn't always happen.
Consider how
little you really know. Yes, you have an
abundance
of opinions, and right now you are probably
pretty
sure there is a trail of deep evidence. But
has this
employee really been given a chance to succeed?
Does the employee:
- Have a clear understanding of
responsibilities and
priorities?
- Know how well he/she is really doing?
- Understand why it is important to do
better and
how to improve?
- Get positive feedback when doing things
well?
- Have a trusted supervisor who wants the
employee to succeed?
Since few supervisors can say 'yes' with
confidence,
even with their best employees in mind, I
doubt you
can do so with your underachievers. They
deserve a
fair chance.
2. Help the Employee out the Door, but
only
with care, a fair process and appropriate
documentation. If you've given an employee a
fair
chance and then some, and an employee just
isn't a
good fit, you are not helping the company, the
employee, or your other employees by
prolonging a
bad situation. I hope you hire well,
supervise well
and never get to this point, but it does happen.
3. Make the Business Decision to Endure
because
the Employee is Simply Indispensable -
Go directly to #1, do not pass GO, and do not
collect
a year-end bonus.
