Michael is a good guy. Most people like him.
But Michael doesn’t deliver his work on time or at the right standard.
He always agrees to the suggestions made to improve, but it just doesn’t happen.
Do you know this guy or someone like him?
Nobody wants to be the bad guy that gets on his case.
Not even management.
Michael exists in every organisation.
There are worse examples than Michael, negative bludgers who seem to be immune.
We live in a complex, frightened world where political correctness, the concern about unfairness and performance management issues abound.
Many HR departments are more worried about the legislation and processes needed to protect the organisation from criticism, than helping to fix the problem.
Supervisors aren’t properly trained to deal with the issues.
People want to get on with their work and life without hassle.
Better just to keep going and cope with the situation as it is.
Better to tolerate than to tackle.
Stress levels rise.
Nobody is doing anything.
The Cost
In dollar terms – billions, caused by lost productivity, profit, customers, increased staff turnover etc.
In government, it’s hurting the taxpayer.
In commerce, it’s everyone, prices increase to cope, products are less useful, shareholder returns are diminished.
The list is much bigger.
The Fix
Leaders who are paying attention and know how to have an early conversation that is respectful helpful candid and clear.
Leaders who know how to effectively deal with the unacceptable whilst keeping and growing trust and respect.
Leaders who know that accountability has aligned consequences, commencing with appropriate recognition and acknowledgement of good work, through to effective helpful remedies and ultimate dismissal if nothing works.
It’s a two-way street:
- Leaders go first, showing up, leading by example and having the right conversations at the right time.
- Staff who are properly developed and supported.
It begins with the science and skill of making the right choices in selection, of both leader and team member.
It’s not rocket science.
It requires courage, better practice and learning.
Do it.
