It’s important to note in business that integrity in the workplace can be a huge issue – especially when you have lions in the office. Lions in the office? What do you mean? You know the ones – they’re lyin’ around, doing nothing. They’re lyin’ about their importance, they’re lyin’ about what they do – basically those people puffed up with pride – but little actual work or understanding behind them to justify their inflated ego.
Lions can shift your business culture from upbeat to drama-filled, since many can be bullies as well. They get frustrated when the attention is not on them, so will create circumstances that seem to put other people in a bad light, and then draw attention to the circumstances. Lions should not be fed, otherwise your business will fall prey to their predatory tactics. They are only there to further their best interests, not the organization’s.
So, how do you stop feeding lions? Keep track, of time, of production, of the words they say and the drama they create. Bring them in, identify the issues, give them an opportunity to change, but don’t drag it out. If they’re less than 80% productive, SET THEM FREE. If they are hurtful to other people in your organization, SET THEM FREE.
You heard me, you should never not fire someone because you think they can’t be replaced, you made a promise or you’re afraid of what they may say about your business. You will often find the lion is the one making false promises, being an emotionally destructive component on the team, or even stealing. Lions in your business will cost you customers, employees, sales, and time. So please, Don’t Feed the Lions.
PBR #3 – Please, Don’t Feed The Lions