So true, Joyce. In the same company where John Doe and I worked together, there seemed to be an unwritten rule that we came in early, stuck to our desks and left late, especially if the boss was still in the office. My Partner once told me that the partnership were aware of the fact that those staff members were being unproductive and yet nothing was done about it. As for me, everyone knew I didn’t work weekends unless it was important. Of course this rule got broken at times but only when really required.

One of the saddest things about the corporate world nowadays is that people are not counseled early on about their abilities and how far they can go. Maybe its to avoid demoralizing the employee but then there comes a time when the employee quits or is asked to leave for lack of performance.

We’ve all had the sheep subordinate and played sheepdog, Sandra, without realizing what we were doing because we had to get the job done. Hindsight does provide 20:20 vision. 🙂 Thanks for appreciating my efforts!

John Doe certainly wasn’t cut out to be a leader though he had other sterling qualities which the company didn’t tap into. Sadly at the time their leadership programs were meant for those being trained for partnership but not for transition into managerial or supervisory roles which was also a reason why they had high attrition rates.

Your colleague was very smart to avoid having to work hard and yet show she was busy. 🙂

Thank you for the compliment, Julia. As a Leader, I always led from the front and my team knew that as long as they gave me their best and reached out for help, I was there for them. I’ve always defended my people but at some point, one cannot do more. John Doe had training needs that were not organized by the HR department and this one fell through the cracks once I left. Part of my big why for starting Karmic Ally Coaching was to reach out to other John and Jane Does who need that mentor to show them what is required if their employers and managers are being myopic to professional development.

It is sad, Tamuria. An early reach out for help can save the situation rather than create a salvage situation. The impact on our self-esteem can be shattering.

Thanks Sue. Part of the problem is also the perceived value of certain professions compared to others and a tendency to pursue careers that our parents want without considering our own aptitude and innate skills. I see it happen a lot and then chaos sets in. Times are changing though and I’m seeing more schools employ career counselors to guide students. This particular person didn’t know how to handle pressure and deadlines and in the process all of his other sterling qualities fell to the side. Organizations too need to test aptitude the way they do it in the Armed Forces.