People are inheritantly good. Good can be found in every single person. But just because good can be found in every single person doesn’t mean they are good employees or good for your business. As a CEO, president or business owner, you can’t hang onto anything that slows down or impedes the productivity of the company in today’s highly competitive marketplace – including unproductive employees.
When hiring an employee, whether you’ve run an individual through a series of job-related tests to see if they are suited for the position; or if you just hired someone on a gut feeling, there are times when they turn out to just not be great employees you expected.
I’ve seen this happen over and over again. What I’ve seen is business people waiting too long to take action. If any employee in your organization is not doing their job:
- Are unproductive
- Not embracing company philosophy
- Don’t fit into the company culture
- Are causing disharmony in the organization
… then it’s time to be in action. Otherwise, the situation is going to repeatedly cost you money; and ultimately, profit.
Remember: You are in business to make a profit. That may sound harsh but it’s a fact. Every employee, as well as the CEO, president or business owner, is a profit center to the financial bottom line of the company. Working together in harmony and productivity will increase the enjoyment of work and decrease levels of stress during the business day.
Here are four key points to follow with unproductive employees:
1.) Recognize the specific issues regarding the employee.
2.) Think about what steps may assist in correcting or improving the employee situation.
3.) Coach the employee, if necessary, and give everyone involved a time frame in which to see the expected results.
4.) Give an employee every opportunity to succeed.
Sometimes, unfortunately, employee situations cannot be adequately remedied. If that is the case then it is best for the employee to seek other employment at another company and to leave your company with dignity.
It’s important to have company policy set as to how to terminate an employee. Follow all state and federal employment laws. But if someone is not doing the job they were hired to do then find someone who can.
Remember: Never hire when you are desperate. Often, hiring mistakes will happen.
There is a saying: One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. It’s just as true with unproductive employees. Their lack of enthusiasm and lack of productivity can spread like a virus throughout your company. It starts with one person and then goes from one person to the next.
Don’t be the CEO, president or business owner who says: “You know, I should have done something six months ago…” By then the damage is done and you’ll be on damage control, including recouping lost business profits, for an indefinite amount of time.
Hanging onto unproductive employees is simply not beneficial, and ultimately not profitable, for your business.
Always hire for attitude first; then talent, skills and education.
That next great employee is out there somewhere just waiting for you to give them the career opportunity of a lifetime. Go find them and bring them into your company for MORE success for everyone!
To your success!
Business expert and strategist, Howard Lewinter, guides – focuses – advises CEOs, president and business owners throughout the United States to MORE success – MORE profit – less stress. Business problems? Business issues? Get MORE from your business! Talk business with Howard: 888-738-1855.
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