Hello Neighbors, let’s step into the land of not so make believe for a little bit. In the land of not so make believe there is group of professionals that I know. Each and every one of them is a recognized leader in what they do and they are all in situation that has me shocked and perplexed. To me, if the people that recognize them as leaders could see their behavior now, well, they would certainly give them a second thought before considering them leaders again.
I will keep this on the surface as much as possible as I don’t want to give away too much out of respect for their privacy. Here is what I can give you:
They were given an opportunity to be the leader of the group they belong to, to be the top dog, the big cheese and each one of them wanted no part of being the leader. Either it was not in their plan to be the group leader, or it would cut into their free time, or it would force a couple of them to cut back on private revenue generating opportunities. No matter what the excuse was, no one wanted to be the Big Kahuna.
The organization’s executive management needed a manager/leader of this motley crew in place. The group was warned that if no one volunteered an interim manager would be appointed until a permanent manager was found. True to their form, no one stepped up and subsequently someone was appointed. The interim manager was not well liked by the others. The others included the ones that had outside activities that were generating them a quite substantial amount of revenue aside from what the organization was already paying. Of course, the others that valued their free time were also not in favor of the appointee and trouble began. My best guess was that anyone in the position would start enforcing the rules and they were not about to let that happen, especially when free time and revenue generating opportunities were tolerated in the past. Why rock the boat?
The newly appointed interim manager got a raw deal right from the start. The remaining staff did not want him in the position he was appointed to and fought him every step of the way until a new permanent manager was found, hired, and put in place. For over one year, this guy was getting crap from those that didn’t want to step up and be in charge, the funny thing is that at one point the top hater even went as far as calling the interim manager an ‘ineffective leader” obviously he knew what makes a person an ineffective leader. These so-called professionals were behaving like 3rd Graders in the way they were treating the interim manager.
Yesterday, there was a luncheon in honor of the outgoing interim manager. The newly hired leader was in attendance. Those staff members that wanted nothing to do with being in the leadership position are already sinking their fangs into the new guy. They are making snide comments, talking bad about him to other internal staff members, and to make matters worse, they are talking bad to those outside the organizational unit. This is something that is expected of those 3rd Graders with their “you’re not my friend” attitude better yet, it is expected of a bunch of High School kids who will only accept you if you are part of the clique otherwise you either “conform or be cast out”
Is there any excuse for them or their behavior? Not at all! It excuses nobody. All are just as equally guilty. Those that speak ill of the people in the position they wanted no part of, those that listen to them and do nothing, and especially those that are in a position of authority to do something about it and choose to ignore it.
Folks, it is real easy: If you don’t want to be in charge then you better learn to live, real fast, with the decisions that are made for you. This whole situation reminds me of voting. If you didn’t vote in the last election and now you don’t like the way the guy who won the election is doing things, you really don’t need to be saying or doing anything just to stir the pot.
Remember, if you do not want to be part of the solution, then you are part of the problem, plain and simple. Therefore, don’t be so surprised when you get what you least expect and I guarantee you will get it.
Another word or two of advice: Talking bad about others will make you look like a child that is throwing a tantrum (aka hissy fit) and when was the last time you saw a child throw a tantrum and win?
Here are some Technorati Tags:
• Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Do not reward bad behavior • lack of respect • ineffective leaders • tantrum throwing • childish behavior • not acceptable • Step up and be a professional and an adult • • Don't take cheap shots they only make you look bad • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero
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