Office Hare Brains
We have spent the last two hundred years convincing ourselves that more education is the solution to financial success. As a result we have gotten a lot better educated. But, there have been some unintended consequences as well. One of the collateral developments of that philosophy has been at least one generation of adults who are forever trapped in the mindset of someone seeking to be educated, specifically a childish mentality.
Before I am attacked, allow me to explain. There are a few things that identify someone as a “good student.”
1. They are quiet.
2. They are focused on the moment at hand.
3. They have a desire to please the person in charge.
In other words they are really quite “hare-brained.”
Now let’s consider a highly effective staff member.
1. Active and Interactive.
2. Aware of long term mission effects.
3. Willing to make a stand for their beliefs.
Hmm…notice any conflicting themes?
People need to know how to interact with others and take an active role in a responsible manner in order to make a valuable contribution.
What can you do to counter act the difficulties from developing as a result of this “Peter Pan” or “Hare Brained” phenomena?
1. Policy and Procedure.
Develop and implement clear procedures and routines for routine operations. Once the routine is taken care of people are more free to explore growth ideas.
2. Mentoring.
One of the most effective preventatives you can implement in a mentorship program. Partnering a immature individual with your “rock of Gibraltar” staff member has a wonderful moderating effect on both parties.
3. Team Roles.
Be certain that each member of your team has a role to fulfill for which they and they alone are accountable.
Although, the above strategies will help you when the problem is beginning to develop (as with a new employee), sometimes you find yourself in the unpleasant circumstances of inheriting a problem (dependent personality) that is already fully developed.
Here a few few suggestions.
1. Proximity Control.
Nothing quite so subtly and effectively focuses a subordinate like the boss dropping by and spending 5 minutes on a regular basis.
2. Ready Reference.
Require these individuals to keep the mission statement on their desk
3. Spot Check.
Periodically ask the staff member to outline their job responsibilities for you, with careful attention to how it has grown and evolved since the last outline. You may be astounded at what some people think their job is when compared to what it actually is.