Hiding from Challenges at Work

Accommodating those who shirk their responsibilities can create a dysfunctional work environment even for those who fulfill their responsibilities. Conduct such as tardiness, absenteeism, and insubordination can become common place if left unchecked.

Unfortunately, standard interventions (threats, negotiations, cajoling, pleading) are universally ineffective. The tremendous experience involved in firing the current staff member, replacing them and retraining a new staff member is equally undesirable.

The ultimate cause of this behavior is almost never examined. Thus a completely a salvageable, and potentially valuable, team member is lost from his path.

The key is to understand that the vast majority of this problem is due to the intense fear the person has of failure.

The problem is exacerbated when the temperament of the person has a low need for control. Controlling a situation is a terrifying responsibility to someone who fears failure. A productive team member can be rendered completely ineffective if forced into assuming more control than they feel ready to take on. It doesn't matter that you are completely certain of their ability; their own self doubt overwhelms them.

Here are some tailored strategies for keeping this person performing, contributing and growing.

• Team Work. Pair this person with someone who is a natural risk take. The two temperaments will compliment each other beautifully.



• Raise Them Up. When you see them beginning to falter and riddle themselves with self doubt take a few minutes to acknowledge the excellent job that have just completed.



• Sew The Seed. Take every opportunity they present to acknowledge them for presenting a positive comment. This will encourage the positive behavior to take root more deeply and begin to replicate itself. Promote their optimism every time they offer it.



• Confidential Counsel. If one of their projects is not up to an acceptable standard, make sure to provide their structured feedback in private. Take care to emphasize the positive aspects of the work to build upon, rather than condemning that which is not up to standard.

Elemental Value Added Truth: Those who know they can be successful don't avoid performing.