Pruning the Vines

The strength of a team is measured by the strength of the weakest person. This is because the weakest person can bring the strength of the team so low that 5 hot heads and 1 dullard is less than 6 average persons in competency and efficiency.

Just like they say one rotten tomato spoils the whole basket, 1 bad member in the team affect the rest of the team. Not to mention if there are 2 or 3 or 4. Imagine if every time a job has to be done, one person escapes thereby causing the team not to achieve their objectives. Or a member is so insulting it affects team members. Such a person needs to be pruned or where applicable laid off.

However, before laying off someone, please do the following
1. As Manager, discuss with the person and let the person know what he or she is doing and how it impacts on the team. Identify if the person’s inefficiency is due to personal problems, lack of motivation, or it is just the person.
2. Coach / provide solution on how the person can develop and overcome the weaknesses.
3. Give the person time to change. Monitor the person. Is there a willingness or effort to change? If no, the person can be removed.
4. When letting go of the person, always discuss it in a matter that will not reduce the person’s self worth.

For more information on how to minimize the damage to those employees laid off, please go here.