Bad Hire?!...Bite the bullet!
Google Images

Bad Hire?!...Bite the bullet!

“How can I fire him? There is so much work overdue and no time to rehire! He is technically good and a nice person. Hopefully with tough feedback he will improve on his lack of commitment and in taking more ownership. But I feel drained investing so much time repeating the same feedback!”

These were the dilemmas posed during a leadership coaching session with a senior doctor and a medical officer at a global pharmaceutical company. She went on to add that, the team member was under-confident, unable to see the big picture and often dropped the ball on crucial commitments leaving her and the team irked. 

Leaders dealing with under-performing team members find themselves in a quandary on whether to nurture or exit such high maintenance colleagues. Another common issue is when the leader is unable to admit that they made a bad hire!

On many occasions, leaders go by their hunch to decide the way ahead. A drawback could be that any impulsive decision could backfire on them or on the organization. Businesses usually have set processes to review and develop under-performers and, in extreme cases, to retrench and replace them. Even here, the leader needs to take a clear call and weigh in the cost to either nurture or exit the team member.

Retaining a bad hire, and pardoning poor performance repeatedly, is the worst decision leaders can ever make. It weakens the leader and the team by lowering the latter’s morale and respect for the former, not to mention their utter disregard towards the under performer!

After following the set internal processes such as - direct feedback, performance improvement plans, independent monitoring, etc. – leaders will have to take a firm decision on whether to retain or remove. Every additional day the bad hire spends within their midst, the workplace can turn toxic and unmanageable. In worst cases, a contagion develops where others begin to lower their performance and lose their will to remain motivated.

So, leaders should have the humility to bite the bullet and not overimagine the hopes of a turnaround story. To manage more than one rotten apple can be a drain on their own and the team’s resources, and ultimately blot their own leadership style and career growth!

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Rajeev Raju的更多文章

  • Coming Soon: Attrition!

    Coming Soon: Attrition!

    “It's no more about the organisation! Employees see the job and role, and what it has to offer. The remote work model…

    4 条评论
  • WFH Advisory: ‘Check-in your virtual Baggage. No room in Cabin!’

    WFH Advisory: ‘Check-in your virtual Baggage. No room in Cabin!’

    “How do I listen better during my endless, and series of, virtual calls and meetings?” “I am stressed from my previous…

    2 条评论
  • Be Distinct. It’s easy to be Extinct!

    Be Distinct. It’s easy to be Extinct!

    “Does he work in our Department? I always thought he was from some other function or, maybe a contract employee?!” “I…

    4 条评论
  • Walk your People to the door. It’s not a Fire Exit!

    Walk your People to the door. It’s not a Fire Exit!

    “Why am I being fired?” “Will I be let go?” “I am scared and feel like ending my life!” “Is my job safe?” These are…

  • Vision Statements: Don't blur it!

    Vision Statements: Don't blur it!

    Why are most vision/mission statements so long-winded, filled with lengthy words and, so hard to recollect?! And why…

  • People feel Valued when Invested in!

    People feel Valued when Invested in!

    “We have frozen our learning & development budgets”. “We do not know whom to upskill or provide training for in these…

    2 条评论
  • Feeling Imprisoned at work and with no Bailout?!

    Feeling Imprisoned at work and with no Bailout?!

    ‘How much longer should I wait for a new role?’ ‘But I was told I am ready for a promotion?!’ ‘What more do I have to…

    1 条评论
  • Performance Appraisal...or a Thanksgiving?

    Performance Appraisal...or a Thanksgiving?

    Across most organisations, the tension in the air is obvious as the financial year ends. Employees are worried about…

    10 条评论
  • When Aggressive Leaders fall...

    When Aggressive Leaders fall...

    The ongoing Cricket World Cup in England & Wales saw some dramatic Semi-final games earlier this week. Both the Indian…

    9 条评论
  • Knowledge = Procrastination, Intelligence = Decisions!

    Knowledge = Procrastination, Intelligence = Decisions!

    “Why do senior leaders always interrupt when I speak?!”. “Why am I asked to give the bigger picture at times and…

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了