Top performers pay price for job well done
"Your report was late," said the note from Sara's manager. Sara was
irritated.
The office manager had recently put in new procedures for analyzing
data. Since it was crucial that the data be absolutely correct, the
manager insisted that each person's work be checked and signed by a
second person.
Sara had performed the analysis well in advance of her deadline, but
the second person, who was to double-check the report, did not complete
his analysis in time. "I got scolded because my partner was late," was
Sara's view.
Sara is recognized by all as being very proficient -- a top performer
and an excellent team player with a good attitude. In fact, she is a
resource, teacher and mentor for others in the department.
"Why," she asked her manager, "am I required to have my work checked?"
"I agree. Your work is always accurate," replied the manager, "but I
require you to get a second person to check so that I am consistent with
all in the department."
The manager was consistent but not effectual. In the name of
consistency and teamwork, I believe that managers actually take advantage
of their most valuable producers (MVPs). Consider the following comments
(in confidential interviews) from outstanding performers.
- "I was not allowed to attend the national meeting because I went last year."
- "My manager would not allow me to have the larger office. She wanted to avoid complaints from others."
- "My request for a software upgrade was not approved -- the reason, not enough budget for everyone to have an upgrade."
- "My pay raise was only slightly above average. My managers did not want me to be too far ahead of the others."
When are we going to stop punishing cooperative people for outstanding
performance?
Management quiz
Check all of the following that apply.
As a general practice, I favor my top producers on . . .
- 1. Desirable work assignments.
- 2. Attendance at national meetings.
- 3. Office equipment.
- 4. Computer upgrades.
- 5. Parking privileges.
- 6. Vacation scheduling.
- 7. Merit increases.
- 8. Office furnishings.
- 9. Opportunities to represent us to outside groups.
- 10. More leeway in how they do things.
If you have seven or fewer checks, this may indicate that you tend to
take
for granted top performers.
Source:The Tampa Tribune - October 16, 1995 - GERALD GRAHAM of Knight-Ridder Newspapers
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