We set the scene…
Recently, a company was forced to look at their bottom line and evaluate the productivity of their employees. One particular fellow caught their attention. He was often not at his desk, on the phone, doing what he was being paid to do. If he wasn’t running odd errands around the building, he couldn’t be located at all. When he was on the phone, his demeanor suggested he had no enthusiasm for his job.
The Observations…
The manager tasked with resolving this situation called him into her office. She said something like, “There comes a time in each person’s life when they are confronted with facing their highest potential and that day is today. It is obvious that this job is not assisting you to that end and what I have found is that often when we resist opening the door to what we can become, someone else comes along and closes the door behind us.
I know that you have many fine and creative talents and know that reinventing yourself requires courage, but I feel you are more than capable.” She handed him his final paycheck and genuinely wished him well.
Consider a Win/Win Scenario…
The employee never felt so relieved in his life, he was stuck and did not know how to get out of it. He went on to work for himself in a creative venture, the company replaced him with a much more productive employee and the manager and he still remain friends.
Clues to the Potential Problem…
- Missing in action more often than not
- Lacking in vitality and demeanor with clients
- First to volunteer to run an errand and leave the workstation
The Takeaway…
Not everyone is suited for the job they were hired for. People change, companies change and sometimes status quo can kill anyone’s passion. Allowing someone to leave with dignity and confidence instead of diminishment and bashing reduces the chances of litigation, and also sends a message to the rest of the staff that growth and enthusiasm are a necessary part of your company.