Dear Madeleine, Is it wrong to let someone go if they just aren’t performing? I have an employee that I originally hired because he seemed to have real promise. I like him a lot as a person, but he never quite “gets it right.” I have given him plenty of chances to improve, but his…
Dear Madeleine, I’ve been in my job for 18 months and I’m good at it. I’m basically pretty clear about what I’m supposed to be doing, and I know my coworkers see me as dependable. My problem is that I can’t get any time with my boss. I send emails and leave voicemails with questions,…
I am, by profession, an executive coach. Part of my job is to advocate fiercely for a client’s best self and to champion possibility. Still, I am often asked, “What do you do if you really don’t think the person is capable of accomplishing the goals they’ve set?” My answer is always, “Who am I…
As a Situational Leadership II (SLII) instructor, I teach hundreds of leaders each year how to adapt their leadership style to the needs of their direct reports. Beginners on a new task get a Directing Style; moderately skilled employees get a Coaching or Supporting Style; and highly skilled employees get a Delegating Style. The SLII…
Congratulations! Your budget has been approved and soon you’ll be adding a new employee to your department. Not only is this an exciting time for you, but it will also be an incredibly exciting time for your new hire. It’s your responsibility to make sure that enthusiastic beginner eventually develops into an empowered expert. To…