At TransPerfect, we coach that managers should take a personal interest in the success of their people, communicate any shortcomings, and give those who are struggling every chance to turn it around.
However, once every effort has been made and it’s apparent this person is not right for the position—instead of immediately addressing the situation, what tends to happen is that people will avoid confrontation, and keep someone in the wrong role just because their department feels busy.
This is not fair to the manager, to the company, or even to the team member who is not succeeding—the manager needs to make a change. Perhaps find them another role in the organization, perhaps not. However, a good manager cannot be content to let someone stagnate in a role not meant for them—especially just because their department is “busy.”
Not addressing the problem makes everyone’s life a little bit easier today, but sacrifices tomorrow’s success to a devastating extent. Don’t sacrifice tomorrow by avoiding difficult decisions today.
