Making the Tough Call

I recently facilitated a leadership series with a group of high potentials.  As part of the overall program, we invited the company’s CEO to present.  One participant asked the CEO what he had learned over the years in his various leadership roles.  One of his responses was, “Don’t be afraid to make the tough decisions related to your team.  Develop people, train them, coach them…and, if they aren’t a good fit, find a place that is or make the tough decision.”

He reminded his team that you aren’t just dealing with the life of one individual; you are also dealing with the lives of ten or twelve other team members.  So, if you don’t address the issue with “Charlie” you not only don’t do Charlie any favors, you really let the team down (individually and collectively), as well as the whole organization.  His advice was to be fair, but make the “right” decision with the big picture in mind.

This decision is a hard one. We are affecting people’s lives.  It is, however, part of being a good leader.  As suggested by this CEO, we don’t do anyone justice by keeping someone in a position who isn’t a good fit.  Perhaps there is a different role in the organization; or, perhaps it is just time to make a tough call.

What experiences have you encountered making tough staff decisions?  What have you learned?

 

Related Articles: Team Development; Developing Talent

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