#31: When capable employees leave
Let’s explore one of those vicious cycles so often found in organizations.
To function at an acceptable level, inept individuals require rules and regulations. But capable individuals tend to feel stifled in an environment where they are constantly told what to do and how to do it. And so they leave.
As the balance in the work force swings to more inept workers and fewer capable ones, mistakes and inefficiencies increase. This serves to confirm management’s suspicion that workers are either incompetent or subversive. Managers now respond by tightening their hold over the workers, forcing the last of the capable ones to run for the exits.
Now for the kicker: Because incompetent workers are less likely to confront managers, managers end up believing that those who stay prefer a highly regimented environment.
I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com
Copyright: 2006 James Henry McIntosh
To function at an acceptable level, inept individuals require rules and regulations. But capable individuals tend to feel stifled in an environment where they are constantly told what to do and how to do it. And so they leave.
As the balance in the work force swings to more inept workers and fewer capable ones, mistakes and inefficiencies increase. This serves to confirm management’s suspicion that workers are either incompetent or subversive. Managers now respond by tightening their hold over the workers, forcing the last of the capable ones to run for the exits.
Now for the kicker: Because incompetent workers are less likely to confront managers, managers end up believing that those who stay prefer a highly regimented environment.
I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com
Copyright: 2006 James Henry McIntosh
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