I’m on my third job, six years out of college, and I’m disheartened by all the politics at work. It sometimes feels like you have to be Machiavelli to succeed. I’m thinking of switching jobs — again — or careers, but afraid that it will be the same everywhere. Any advice?
Do not lose faith, my boy. There is a battle to be won. I knight you to carry on. Each of us is less than a drop in the great blue motion of the sunlit sea. But, it seems that some of the drops sparkle. Some of them do sparkle. Run, boy! Run, boy! Run! Oh, run, my boy. (Yeah, that’s right . . . I do love my musicals, that’s how I roll.) And if you didn’t recognize the “Camelot” reference, then shame on you. But the metaphor works. You do need to develop a sense of judgment and awareness — empathy for people and where they are coming from. But you can succeed in business by being a good guy. (Now there’s another musical!)
I am a new manager and have difficulty with confrontation. Some of my staff have been here a long time and are nice, but they just aren’t doing their jobs in the way it is necessary for us to succeed. How do I approach the subject with them given their tenure with the company?
When in doubt, remember the golden rule of business — quote “The Godfather”: It’s not personal, it’s business. As a manager, you have a responsibility to the enterprise — to hire and retain talent that perform their jobs in a way that supports and advances the business. Anyone who is not performing up to an acceptable level, frankly, hurts the company, which hurts every other employee who is working hard to support themselves and advance. Have a sit-down with your staff. Explain to them that what may have been acceptable previously is no longer valid for the current and future needs of the company. Be clear and candid. A common mistake is trying to soften a difficult message — which often leads to a mixed message and confusion.
Gregory Giangrande is an executive vice president and chief human resources officer in the media industry.