There is a conversation that happens all too often when I speak with business owners. It’s a talk that makes my head explode!
It goes something like this. I’m usually speaking with an owner who is struggling with getting something done for the betterment of their business.
The business owner says, “I tell them what to do. But they won’t do it!”
KA-BOOOOOOM!
This situation can’t happen. It doesn’t make sense. And if this happens, you have lost control.
There are only two parties here, so let’s start with you.
- Are you clear and direct in your instruction?
- Are they capable of doing what you are asking?
- Is “anarchy” one of your company’s values?
If you are doing your part, I can only think of a few reasons why this might happen.
The person in question is family, and you have decided that family comes first, and you are willing to subordinate the performance of your company to the abilities and cooperation of your family? In this case, you are not running a business. You are using your employees to support your family.
The person in question is a long-time employee, and you have chosen to bear the cost of hiring additional people to do the job instead of them, or worse, you have decided loyalty is more important than meeting your business’ potential. Now your employees know there are two ways to get ahead, job performance, and seeking your approval. I call this the “trained seal” phenomenon.
The person in question is a high performer who has not bought into your culture and values. You have decided their talent and performance are more important than teamwork and alignment. And that it is “good” because the rest of your employees will not bother to buy in either. You will need another way to manage and motivate.
Insubordination is the word for not doing what one is told. And the only response to continuous disobedience is termination or your surrender to the situation.
“Obedience is an act of faith;
disobedience is the result of unbelief.”
– Edwin Louis Cole
Written by Keith Okano, from his blog.
Keith Okano – Is the Founder and creator of ClosingStrong, a business coaching service. Visit Keith here.
