Why Do Organizations Continue Doing Stupid?

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What It’s About: One of the best things about working with lots of leaders is hearing their stories of how they have been treated, or more likely, mistreated. Crazy stories across the entire life cycle of their employee journeys are ample. However, the “stupid” bucket seems to overflow at two prime intersections in working life: The WELCOME and the LEAVE.

The WELCOME: You would think that after investing considerable effort in recruiting and selecting an employee, the hiring manager and organization overall, would want to fully embrace the newcomer and ensure they get off to a great start. However, too often the rookie employee shows up the first day of work to experience one or more of the following: Not knowing where to exactly show up, no security clearance, no computer or access, no personal greeting, mounds of HR related paperwork/administration to complete, no contact with the hiring manager, no intro to teammates, etc. etc. It feels like no one knew they were hired, or worse, didn’t care that they were. Does this make any sense? Why is this a recurring pattern in way too many cases for new hires?

The LEAVE: We all leave organizations. We all have a last day. We either leave on our own account, or we are invited to go. Occasionally, someone does something egregious, and deserves a swift unceremonious exit. However, in the vast majority of cases, a dignified, respectful leaving makes complete sense for both the employer and employee. Ideally, it's fair and respectful both ways. Too often, people who are asked to leave, get terminated and seem to disappear. Everyone remaining speculates what happened. Additionally, if it’s the employer's choice, the usually shocked and disappointed employee gets walked out of the facility (or clicked off of Zoom, Teams, etc.) and is immediately cut off from all system access. There is either no goodbye, or at best, the infamous, cursory, communication “leaving to pursue other endeavors.” The impact overall can be in the trauma range for many. Bad feelings can simmer for long periods, even forever. How is this outcome helpful to anyone or the organization?

So What?: What would happen if we could improve the WELCOME? Both the employer and individual want contribution and success as fast and as long as possible. Even small improvements in the welcome process would increase value and productivity. What would happen if the LEAVE got better? Just imagine if both the employer and individual could agree that the leave process was mutually fair, equitable, reasonable and respectful. If we allow ourselves to rethink the process of leaving, a refreshed mindset and a little imagination could have a profoundly positive impact on so many.

Now What?: How about if we committed to reducing what is frankly, just plain stupid behavior relative to the WELCOME AND LEAVE. We would materially increase both good will and productivity. And it’s just the right thing to do. Why? Because we are PEOPLE first and hopefully foremost. Invest in these areas and everyone wins.

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

One Millennial View: There is a beauty in overlooked simplicity. Improving the welcome and leave in organizations is likely an easy, cost effective opportunity for every organization. With some things, we’ll say “it’s that easy, and that hard,” however for this case, “it’s that easy, just no one thinks to do it.”

- Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis

Why Do Organizations Continue Doing Stupid?

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