Dumping Bad Employees...Internally

You know the scenario...


"John" has bounced around from department to department.  He's a nice enough person, but never really fits in with the team.  Once his true limits become obvious he quickly transfers to a new area.  His Managers are always so thankful that he's leaving that they never get around to updating the new Manager that John is a problem.


Why Does This Happen?
I'm not new to HR.  I'm also not new to large organizations that have many departments where employees can hide under the radar.  What still bothers me however, is that leaders allow this type of scenario to occur over and over again. Why? 


What could possibly be the reason that leaders hide behind a transfer form and an easy out?


Fear
Okay, I said it.  Leaders are afraid. They're busy, under a lot of pressure to perform, and quite honestly don't want to be bothered with "HR" issues if they don't have to. So they look the other way and approve the internal transfer.  In doing so, they are also dumping on their colleagues.  This is worse than a poor hire from the outside though, because the organization is still stuck with the low performer and the employee is not being held accountable.   Let's face it, you are not going to improve if you're never held accountable, right?  Aren't we supposed to support employees, particularly the ones that may have potential but are struggling at the moment?


Another Opportunity for HR
Since we know many (not all) Managers would rather pass along a problem employee than hold them accountable, it's up to HR to provide the leadership that the department leader can not or will not provide.  This intervention will not only stop this constant shuffling, but will also help the employee.  How?  Perhaps for the first time, they will get some honest feedback about their performance, and what it will take for them to be successful. Don't we want our employees to be successful?

How About You
Do you love to feel like you're in Vegas and can shuffle the deck of poor performers? Do you feel a sense of relief when your weakest employee submits a transfer form? Are you able to look the other Manager in the eye when they realize what you've done?  Or, do you actually work with your struggling employees to help them, and your organization to excel?

I'd love to hear from you.


No Excuses.








pics courtesy of Its How We Roll and Inperta

One Resolution - I'm Not A Control Freak!

As is the annual ritual, I've been considering a number of resolutions for the coming year.  I developed a "professional" list, and a "personal" list.  And then I threw them away.  Seriously.  They're gone.

HEALTH CLUBS LOVE RESOLUTIONS

Several years ago I was expanding the number of health clubs that offered discounts to our employees.  As I met with the owners of the various clubs a theme quickly emerged. 

Every club not only loved resolutions, they actually generated 40% of their annual revenue from the well-intended souls who join in January (and are never seen again after Valentine's Day.) Each owner smiled at this point in their story.  I need a resolution that will stick past February!

ONE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER

2011 is the year I will have only one resolution.  Yes I'll have goals to achieve professionally, and I'll have a few items that get more attention in my personal life as well.  But as far as resolutions go, only one is making the list.


Be more organized.


Sounds simple.  What you don't know is that I am pretty organized already.  I have a clean desk, am learning how to use e-tools whenever possible (trying to use my Droid for everything!) and constantly try to be more efficient.  But I want to be better.  I want to eliminate the paper (seriously) and be freakishly organized.  My competitive side is pushing me to try and control it all.  


Uh-oh.  Control.  That's really what I'm after.  I want to control everything. Alas, I may be chasing the unattainable.


HOW ABOUT YOU
What is your plan for next year?  Do you have a competitive side that says "I'm going to rule the world;" or, have you found that elusive balance between what you can control, and what you need to let go?  


As for me, I have to scan and shred some documents before I head to the gym...

I'd love to hear from you.


Happy New Year...No Excuses.




pic courtesy of www.liquorsnob.com