I asked that question of a CEO last year to really get a reaction from him.
Let me give you the background.
I had been working with this management team for some months and it was becoming clearer to me that one member of the team was clearly under-performing. Not just in terms of getting things done but also how he was engaging with the other members of the team.
Now this individual was, and is, very bright and very skilled technically – and his skill set is very important to the business.
And it was for that reason that the CEO tolerated his shortcomings, and to a large extent, look the other way.
My view was, and is, that the upside of what this person contributed in terms of technical skills and knowledge, did not compensate for the damage he was doing to the team – and ultimately the business.
While coaching other members of the team, they were really frustrated with his behaviour and his lack of commitment. However, what they were most irritated about was the fact that the CEO, to their eyes, condoned his behaviour.
The developing attitude among the team was – if the boss tolerates that, then why should we be driving ourselves to perform at a higher level. He obviously does not value real effort and commitment to work as a team.
The CEO got a real shock when this information was shared – and he knew he was faced with a decision.
To his credit, he took the tough decision, and exited the offender – and there was a price tag to that! But he was prepared to make that decision and pay the financial cost, rather than lose all the positive contributions of the others.
It is easy to rationalise disruptive behaviour with comments like “oh well, I know he/ she can be difficult, but they bring so much knowledge……”
But the cost of that way of thinking is a below par performing team – now there is a cost that is criminal to accept!
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
FREE STRATEGY CALL
If your team is not working as effectively as it should and you would like them to get things done faster, then why not take advantage of a free 45 minute strategy call to get some tips to put that right? Then go to www.johnmurphyinternational.com/call to schedule that session.