They are just not that into you…

Listen here:  

or your business. Think about your years of managing people.  I’m sure there have been times when you have noticed that no matter what you did, said, or wrote – your employee would just look at you with that “whatever” look on their face.  The situation didn’t matter,  it could be praise, a new project, a thank your or a correction. You got a big “nothing”, “nada”, “whatever” or “sure”. Maybe it wasn’t always this way or possible it has always been this way – but what does it mean?

They are just not that into you or the business. This is one of those unfortunate circumstances where they truly are there to collect a paycheck. The question becomes – is that ok?

The only one who can answer that question is you, here are a few things to ask yourself.

• Are they proficient at their job?
• Do they interact with clients?
• Are they pleasant with clients/co-workers?
• Is their position blocking someone else from being promoted?
• Are they stopping you from being able to do more?

Take a look at your answers, if they are all “yes” you have some serious thinking to do.  The first three questions need a yes for you to even consider keeping them on-board – no answers here mean they are affecting your business in more ways than you are willing to admit. If the last two questions are yes, again you have some thinking to do.

So….now what? Well if you have come to the conclusion that you need to work this person out of your company – you need to determine what steps you need to take. Do you let them know? Do you start interviewing replacements? Do you start training someone internally to take over?

The answers will depend on your business, however if you are a small company hopefully every person who works for you has a back-up, even if its you. I prefer transparency, what that means in this situation is that you have an honest conversation with the employee about what you are seeing and experiencing. Ask them for their feedback, if it can be worked out – go for it. However I would do this with a time limit – must improve within the next 30 days, explain the consequences if they don’t and make sure they are willing to commit.

What if they don’t want to change? That makes your job easier, both of you can mutually agree to separate. A good way to do this is to offer to them to keep working and you will give them time off to interview. At the same time you will be placing an ad and interviewing candidates to fill the position. Also put a timeline on this to ensure your employee is putting forward their best effort to find work. This way both parties have lots to gain and little to lose. This is a great win-win situation for both of you.

It may seem awkward at first but you will find that it works out nicely. The timing should be so that you or someone else in your business is not working two positions at the same time. Employees who leave a company happy will be a great spokesperson for you where ever they go. Remember it really is a small world out there and you never know who they may run into.

This honest and amicable approach with net you good results not only with the employee who’s leaving but with the others in your business as well. You gain respect by treating others with respect.