Well, here’s a new way to conduct performance management discussions: ream an employee out while you’re on the treadmill.
I was at the gym. Near me, there was a guy on the treadmill vigorously exercising while wearing earbuds and talking into his microphone. Loudly. There was little doubt about what was going on: he was having a “performance conversation” with an employee. Apparently, the employee was late. Or didn’t show up to work. In any event, Earbud Guy had a problem with this. He made sure that the person on the other end of the phone conversation (and regrettably, everyone in a 20 foot radius of his treadmill) understood it was a problem.
What kind of boss does that? This is such a total managerial fail. He was making what should have been a private conversation very public. I’m sure the person on the other end of the phone could tell he was at the gym, running on the treadmill. Couldn’t he even take the time to call the person later? If time was of the essence to communicate this issue, then get off the stinking treadmill and get to a private corner of the gym to make the call.
I wonder what the employee thought of all of this? Is it par for the course? And senior leaderships wonders why their employee engagement scores are low.
Chalk it up to another entry in the Bad Boss Diaries.
Copyright: feelphotoart / 123RF Stock Photo
Mike,
LOL! But I have a hard time believing you yell loudly at your employees while doing so.