Leadership Lessons: Behind Every Job Title is a Person

This reminder comes following a recent experience in an airport lounge, where a “leader” from a well known tech company, proceeded to have a loud phone conversation with an employee whom he was placing on a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan).

I don’t write this because I’m a perfect leader. However, I genuinely believe that behind every job title is a person. What I heard in this discussion hasn’t left my mind. Not only because of this belief, but because of what it means for the company and the employee.

The leader was berating the employee, at times almost shouting, telling him multiple times “he’s a smart guy and a young guy….who needs a swift kick in the a**”.?While this may have been true, he proceeded to tell him all of the things he was NOT doing,?and how he (the leader) used to do the job 20 years ago, while loudly repeating the company name multiple times. The employee did not hear what they are doing well, what expectations are (what does good look like?) nor did he hear what the leader or company would be doing to provide any support or help. Finally, it was a one-way conversation. The leader never asked him to participate in the discussion. The call ended with the employee on a PIP and a swift, and likely ineffective “kick in the a**.”

Not only is this an example of ineffective performance management, unfortunately it can be a reflection on the company’s brand and culture. For those of us that heard this phone conversation, we were left with an unfavorable view of this tech company. More specifically thinking:

• Does this represent the culture of the company?
• Is respect one of their core values?
• Is this just “one bad example”?
• Will this employee stay and improve, or go work for a better leader and culture?

While these answers may vary or be unknown, I know one thing for sure - Behind every job title is a person. Regardless of job performance, people deserve to be treated with respect, to receive constructive performance feedback that affords them the opportunity to improve and grow in their career.?

#wordsmatter

#leadershipreminders