That's what I hear in the background right now...great music. But my mind is clouded with the disruptions of the day. Recently I had to fire a co-worker/employee who has been with our company for nearly 8 years. Mind you she should have been let go from the company about 4 years ago. She has been consistent at being a poor worker and doing everything in her power to screw up. She was given chance after chance and believe me, I know. I was in charge of writing her up and reprimanding her for years now. So this person was on her final write up and as things go she messed up. She almost lost us our major account....I had no choice but to finally let her go. I felt bad at first...8 years and at Christmas in a failing/miserable economy. However the reality of this situation hit me long ago and yet again today. She has always taken advantage of the good nature of all of those around her. Existing within the structure because we just could not let her go because of loyalty. Yet still time and again she failed to listen to us, to comply to rules or standards. Never adhering to schedules or deadlines. She basically took advantage of people because she knew we cared and did not want to hurt her. I must admit...I did this to myself and her as well. However last year...it ended. I opened my eyes to the reality that she was using me, she was taking advantage of all of us and costing our company valuable resources. I was fed up with it. She was ripping me off outside of work too. I would find myself buying things from her that would cost considerably less from a stranger and as a friend she would charge me more. Not cool. My friendship ended with this person quite some time ago...today she threw friendship in my face. She said Wow it's so easy for you to write off a friendship, thanks a lot! I answered "Our friendship has been over for quite some time and I am surprised you did not notice until now."
So here is how I see it...if it was me...if I had been doing nothing, if I had been screwing our company out of time and money...if I was unpunished over and over again...where would we be? Well, we wouldn't be. Because the things I do directly affect the company. If I did not do my job...there would be no money coming in. There would be no customers. However if I was not working, people would notice fast and I...would be fired. So Ms. Low Key under the radar employee...we all finally noticed because you stepped in a big $100,000 pile of poo. You could not wipe that away so easily...not once but 5 times.
However...here is the biggest problem...she believes this...IS ALL OUR FAULT! WHAT!?!?!?
She has this theory she was set up and we had a big plan to terminate her. Nope...it just worked out that way and really...it was bound to happen.
So here's an idea....look in the mirror because the person who hurt you most was you. Sometimes the assailant and the victim are one in the same.
Accountability...I wish we all knew what this meant. Merriam-Webster defines it well as: : the quality or state of being accountable; especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions.
So here is how I see it...if it was me...if I had been doing nothing, if I had been screwing our company out of time and money...if I was unpunished over and over again...where would we be? Well, we wouldn't be. Because the things I do directly affect the company. If I did not do my job...there would be no money coming in. There would be no customers. However if I was not working, people would notice fast and I...would be fired. So Ms. Low Key under the radar employee...we all finally noticed because you stepped in a big $100,000 pile of poo. You could not wipe that away so easily...not once but 5 times.
However...here is the biggest problem...she believes this...IS ALL OUR FAULT! WHAT!?!?!?
She has this theory she was set up and we had a big plan to terminate her. Nope...it just worked out that way and really...it was bound to happen.
So here's an idea....look in the mirror because the person who hurt you most was you. Sometimes the assailant and the victim are one in the same.
Accountability...I wish we all knew what this meant. Merriam-Webster defines it well as: : the quality or state of being accountable; especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions.
"To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity."
- Donald A. Adams
