Comments on: What would you do? Top producer’s toxic attitude pushes others out the door

By: Lynn G

Lynn G — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:58:42 +0000

I agree with Laura. I asked myself if the others weren’t performing to their potential because of Miss Girly. Her attitude should have been dealt with progressively regardless of her production. Seems like they condoned her behavior. She needs to respect her employer or go elsewhere. They will probably see a lot more stars rise to the ocassion once they rectify this (one way or the other).

By: Larry

Larry — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:12:02 +0000

In another life I was the HR Director for a national firm who had a real top producer, yet he was one of the biggest a$$es I ever came across. The company worshipped him, or should I say the revenue he brought in each year. When I heard of the complaints and employees who left because of him, I talked to the President. He was aware of the situation but his reply was, “He’s our top producer, I can’t do anything or he’ll leave.” I said, “So what? Maybe if he wasn’t such a jacka$$, he’d sell even more. Let someone else have these problems – everyone can be replaced.” Finally, they confronted him, he stomped and threatened to leave, but eventually calmed down because he realized that being fired would render him as damaged goods in his market.
Another time in another company, the top salesman actually addressed the President as a f-ing liar to his face. I expected him to be fired, but the President merely backed down, saying he was just upset. I asked the Pres. about this, and he said we couldn’t lose the top producer. Eventually the guy left anyway, but I lost alot of respect for the President.

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:43:44 +0000

First, I’d like to know if she was the “top” producer because she’s soured everyone else, or if she really is a hard worker. If she’s making it uncomfortable for those around her, then they just aren’t working as hard as they stopped caring as well.
Second, he’s talked to her before, it’s time to put it in writing letting her know that there are consequences to her actions. She’s been allowed to talk and act this way for too long.
Third, IF he knew there was an issue, why wasn’t he working with the new employees to get their spirits up? If he had talked to these people, maybe they would have stayed and he would know exactly what was saying. He’s been hiding from the situation thinking she’s putting out numbers, when infact, she is keeping others down. Phil needs to step up, be a manager and take action, only then can the situation be truly fixed.