While hiring a great team is no easy task for entrepreneurs, handling problem employees can actually be the harder challenge. Here are three videos on how and why to effectively handle the situation, when things are not going well with a member of your team.
Video: Pruning the Rotten Apples
Bob Sutton, Stanford University
3 min.
35 sec.
A successful personal relationship must follow the 5:1 rule: for every unpleasant interaction, at least five positive interactions are needed to offset the negative one, says Stanford Professor and author Bob Sutton. Research in the workplace also shows that just one rotten apple - or someone who repeatedly proves to be selfish - can be contagion that severely reduces overall team performance. These contagions must be removed for the health and longevity of the team.
Video: Building - and Deconstructing - Teams
Martin Eberhard, Tesla Motors
31 sec.
Martin Eberhard, co-founder of Tesla Motors, points out that adding team members is just as important as letting them go. If a player is not a good fit, don't hesitate to remove them from the mix. Eberhard also points out the necessary characteristics for A-players, including passion, enthusiasm, and experience.
Video: Dealing with Challenging Employees
Dan Springer, Responsys
|
Stan Christensen, Stanford Technology Ventures Program; Arbor Advisors
3 min.
8 sec.
Dan Springer, CEO of Responsys, talks about the challenges of dealing with problematic employees. Springer suggests that it is easier to deal with clear under-performers whereas the greater challenge is to address team members who have both positive and damaging qualities. Springer suggests that the best response to these situations is to have a clear and frank conversation with the team member which gives them an opportunity to improve.
