Q:  One of my problem employees –a high maintenance, low performer- was working temporally on loan in another department while they were experiencing a spike in work volume.

Much to my surprise, they absolutely love him and his work.  So much so, that they’ve offered him a permanent job to transfer into.

I’m thrilled about him moving out, however I feel a responsibility to warn the new manager about this employee’s problems.  My dilemma is that I wouldn’t want the new manager to get cold feet and renege on the transfer.  Any suggestions?

A:   I notice that your question assumes that the employee will sooner later become a problem in the new department.  That’s not necessarily true.

Yes, it’s is certainly possible.  In fact, it’s likely.  But we must not initially assume that it’s inevitable.

Let me explain.  I, too, am skeptical about the ability of problem employees to change their ways after they move to other departments or change jobs.  Their problems usually follow them wherever they go, and many companies waste lots of time and energy moving a poor performer around when they should be moved out instead.

Having said that, I’ve also seen remarkable exceptions, rare yes, but they happen.

I’ve seen chronic problem employees move to a different role or environment and watched them blossom into high performing, contributing employees.

Sometimes, their problems were due to a poor job fit, instead of their own lack of ability or poor performance.

In your situation, you may be able to walk a fine line between following your duty to inform, while still being optimistic.  So, choose your words carefully.

My advice would be to provide the new manager with a general update about previous problems with the employee (or review the file if there is one), yet emphasize your hope at the possibility that this may all be in the past.  Be positive.  Give the employee and the new manager the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity of a fresh start.

It’s easy to become cynical or jaded after managing underperformers, but we must give everyone a second chance when possible, you never know when you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio