Today, I met up with a business manager who shared with me that her company has to hire a new sales person. She shared that her small business hasn't hired a person in a very long time, because fortunately, they have a cohesive group and haven't lost anyone in several years. Now their business has expanded and she needs to add another team member, but she is (wisely) a little apprehensive about bringing on a new team member knowing that introducing an "unknown" may change the great team chemistry that exists there already.
Take Your Time Before You Decide....
My advice to her was, "Be slow to hire....Take your time." Hiring a new team member is one of the most important decisions you make for the organization. Consider that it's also one of the longest-term business decisions you can make, and you may have to live with the decision for a long time.
Be Quick to Fire
In the same breath, though, I also said, "...and be quick to fire." What I mean, is that if there's a team member that seems to clearly pull the rest of the team down (destroying the team) through performance or conduct / behavior (I refuse to use the word "attitude"), then, absolutely, be quick to make the decision to let the person go. Don't let the team suffer because you struggle with mustering up your courage. Don't run the risk of losing other good performers because it's not convenient to go short-handed.
Waiting to Exhale
Ever notice that when a poor performer is finally released, how much more smoothly the team runs? It's as if the team has been waiting to exhale. After finally letting go of the one that stirred up the team for so long, there's almost a calming feeling in the air, and everyone feels relieved. That's because drama is negative energy and it's distracting and unhealthy. Removing that element makes the entire team function better.
Someone once coined it, "Sometimes you have to shoot one to save the herd." I couldn't agree more; especially when that "ONE" is the person you spend 90% of your time having to run behind and do damage control. Be decisive and quick to take out the bad apple before it spoils the whole bunch.
Summary
Hiring is one of the most time-consuming parts of managing a business. But, while it takes time, it's also well worth the time when you hire the right person the FIRST time. But, if you realize that you made a mistake by hiring the wrong person, don't hesitate...fix it. Let that individual move on to a job that they will be happier with, and save the team from misery.
Kathleen Lapekas - PHR
Action HR Consulting
For Personal Attention to Personnel Matters...
I have felt the "exhale" when a situation resolves. Your comments are on target. Nice work, Kathleen.
ReplyDeleteRight on target. Great blog.
ReplyDeleteAs always - right on the money. We learned this "waiting to exhale" motto by accident, when a seemingly excellent employee left... it was like a cool breeze in hell, and we didn't even know we were in hell.
ReplyDeleteGreat article. We just had to make a staffing change in January and it was an immediate breath of fresh air for the entire staff.
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