More Resources

Home > Entrepreneur Magazine > August 2001 > Just Doing Their Jobs

Just Doing Their Jobs

Ignore It, and It Won't Go Away

Kossoff commonly sees not-my-job resistance in the Silicon Valley companies she works with. Often entrepreneurs ignore the problem, especially if the not-my-jobber holds a position that's seen as critical to the company's success. "The entrepreneur thinks, 'We can't get this person to do more, so we'll leave him alone,'" Kossoff says.

When management decides to turn a blind eye on slackers, however, it loses credibility with other employees, who may feel the not-my-jobber is getting away with something. "It really hurts retention," Stewart says.

If you've got a not-my-jobber on staff, start a discussion today. This is like any other performance problem, Topchik says, and most of these employees will improve their attitudes after talking it over. Those who don't usually leave on their own after the game's up. A conversation will also help you adjust individual job performance expectations so employees feel encouraged to contribute in ways they wouldn't otherwise.

Content Continues Below


At Hyland Software, communication has had an impact not only on attitudes and morale, but on sales as well, which are expected to reach about $30 million this year. "It's like night and day," Hyland says. "It's so much better now."

Contact Sources

  Page   1   |   2  

Marketplace

Learn how to distribute a press release

Try our new online printing. theupsstore.com/print
Today on Entrepreneur
Current Issue
Entrepreneur Connect
What makes a good client gift?
What guidelines do you follow when buying gifts for your clients? Have you ever received an unusual or inappropriate gift?
Resource Centers
Where Business Gets Done
Revisit the lost art of the meeting, the pitch, the presentation and the all important handshake to close the deal.

Insurance Center
Review your company's needs, save on workers' comp, protect your business from lawsuits and more.

Startup How-To Guides
Step-by-step guides to launching your business.

Commercial Vehicle Center
Get the right ride for your business.


Sign Up for the Latest in:
e-Business & Technology
Franchise News
Business Book Sampler
Starting a Business
Sales & Marketing
Growing a Business

E-mail*
Zip Code*