#218 the bottom

A consultant friend occasionally does long-term assignments that result in staff changes (aka firings).  It always improves the organization to have the low-performers or toxic personalities out of the system.  

Yet I am reminded of a mantra that he and I shared in when doing some work together:  someone is always at the bottom.  

Just firing people and moving select people out is never the long-term answer.  Even when the deadwood is gone, someone else automatically assumes the lowest rung. 

Supervisors need to pay attention to getting the full potential from all of their staff -- coaching the weaker performers into achieving closer to capacity; allowing their stars to thrive in an intrinsically rewarding way.  

There are clearly people who are detrimental to the organization and whose performance or attitude warrants a departure.  Just don't rely on that as your sole strategy or it will be a continuous revolving door.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
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