According to Former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch, “Public hangings are teaching moments. Every company has to do it. A teaching moment is worth a thousand CEO speeches.”
From a company’s point of view, staff are very important when it comes to the growth and development of a company. However, at the same time, staff can destroy the company’s reputation, as well as cause a lot of problems internally.
Generally, you will find 4 types of employees in any company: -
· Type 1: Competent (+) AND shares the same values as the company (+)
· Type 2: Not competent (-) BUT shares the same values as the company (+)
· Type 3: Not competent (-) AND does not share the same values as the company (-)
· Type 4: Competent (+) BUT does not share the same values as the company (-)
So, which type of employee deserves “Public hangings”?
Type 1 employees are the ones that companies look for. They are given the most opportunity and responsibility. The end goal is to make them become one of “us” (part of the Company).
Type 2 employees are just as important to the company, but they require more time / attention and training.
Type 3 employees are the ones that (mistakenly) managed to beat the system and get past the interview process. But not to worry, they will not end up staying in the company for too long.
Type 4 employees are the most difficult to deal with. They have the potential and ability to help the company in many ways, however, most of them are not team players and they tend to give a lot of attitude. They are the ones that will ‘ask’ you for ransom. When these employees want something, they will not ask straight up ask you.
They will let you know that they want to quit (whether directly or indirectly), then wait for you to persuade them to stay, while they behave in whatever way they like. This is because they know that you (the company) need them.
Throughout my career, I have come across a few of them (Type 4 employees). At the beginning of my journey, I was too naïve. I kept trying to hold on to them and make it work. I tried to develop a better personal relationship with them and give them whatever they asked for. In the end, they took advantage and started “bullying” me.
In the short term, yes, it may work for the company. However, in the long run it will destroy the company’s working environment and culture.
Now, I have learnt my lesson. I no longer take any ransom from staff, especially the ones with bad intentions and bad attitudes.
Leaders are required to make difficult decisions from time to time. But remember, protecting each and every employee as well as the company is part of our duty.
Keep in mind, that no matter what you do or what your intentions may be, not everyone is on your side or may want the same thing.
The same can be said about dating – you may want to be with them, but they may not want to be with you.
OR
The same can be said about marriage or starting a family with a significant other – you may have dreams of having a big family with many children, but if their dreams are totally opposite, it will not work.
So, make decisions wisely. Think in terms of the future and in the long run. It is better to suffer a short pain, rather than make a long-lasting mistake that may negatively impact your company forever.
Comments