Get Them Outta Here!
While I am a huge fan of Jim Collins, Good to Great has been over used in many association circles. But the book’s concept of getting the right people on the bus, the wrong people off, and the right people in the right seats is truly critical to the long-term success of associations and non-profits.
However, here is a classic, always done it that way, item…
“Let’s keep dead weight staff on board until they retire.”
Now you have to understand that one of my first jobs out of college was working for a very elite management consulting firm, where the average tenure for new hires is about 1-1/2 years. You either moved up or out – and there was no other way in that organization. This environment ensured that only the most highly motivated and highest calliber individuals stuck around. The firm even went so far that when it was decided that you were not moving up, they paid you to conduct a full-time job search to move out. What a novel concept!
What is the deal with associations holding on to dead weight staffers (and senior managers) who are underperforming, toxic to productive employees, or even worse, are just the wrong people on the bus? I wonder what people are thinking by keeping these folks on board? Really, think about it. In a corporate environment productivity is critical. Why do we as an industry not place more value on productivity? When I say productivity, I don’t mean simply cranking out the same ole’ stuff, but creating new, exciting, highly valued products and services for members.
On a similar note — why are the same people doing the same job for 15, 20 or more years? I’d suggest that if the same person has been doing the same job for that long, it is time for a change, both for the organization and the individual. Now keep in mind, I didn’t say fire that person if they are productive, but help them find a new seat on the bus.
And for everyone’s sake, get rid of those who don’t belong on the bus!
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