Bad Behaviour Unjustified! (A twist to Employee Experience)
In one of my recent conversations with a friend, she opened up about a challenge she faced as a department head. It revolved around a team member who had been exhibiting concerning behaviour for some time. Despite her efforts to engage the staff in a meeting, they showed up late without any sense of remorse.
As she discussed this, the staff member’s supervisor appealed to her to address the issue by considering the staff member for a promotion, suggesting that past oversights may have contributed to his behaviour.
While this scenario may indeed be painful, it’s crucial to recognize that bad behaviour cannot be excused. I firmly believe in fostering an excellent employee experience to enhance overall performance. Organizations have a responsibility to treat their employees fairly, and recognizing and rewarding high performers is a key strategy.
However, the absence of this strategy does not justify delivering substandard service or exhibiting poor behaviour. If you feel you’re being treated unfairly, it may be tempting to consider an exit plan. But before making any decisions, it’s essential to pause and reflect.
Are you contributing positively? Are you giving your best effort? Are you known as a high performer, or are there concerns about your behaviour within the organization? You need to hold yourself accountable and strive for improvement. If your answers align positively, perhaps it’s time to explore new opportunities. If not, focus on self-improvement and adding value until circumstances change.
It is also crucial to acknowledge that your behaviour, attitude, and performance significantly contribute to employee experience. You bear a responsibility to uphold the standards of conduct that positively influence your colleagues, supervisors, and the organization as a whole. Your actions directly impact your experience and the overall experience of those within the organization.
Under no circumstances should you lower your standards or engage in bad behaviour due to perceived injustices within the organization. There is simply no excuse for such conduct, and supervisors must hold individuals accountable.
For those who are working hard but feel unnoticed and unrewarded, consider investing in your personal brand. Reflect on your next steps and explore opportunities to diversify your skills.
While waiting for the right opportunity, commit to self-improvement. Learn, volunteer, network, and give your best effort in your current role, regardless of its challenges. Remember, complaining without action serves no purpose. You must deliberately put in the effort to develop yourself. Often employees keep putting this off and use the pressures of work but a simple step in the direction could very easily guide you achieve this.
I fondly recall a colleague confided her desire for a public relations certification. She was hesitant due to lecture schedules. Encouraging her to seize the moment, she discovered a looming deadline and swiftly secured an extension. Months later, she proudly graduated, armed with new PR skills, ready to embrace any new opportunity that may come her way.
In 2021, before joining my team, I had a candid conversation with an exceptional member. While immediate advancement wasn’t on the table, I offered a chance to learn and grow. He embraced the opportunity, swiftly becoming indispensable. Two years later, he left to lead his own team—a testament to his perseverance despite initial constraints. His journey underscores the value of commitment and hard work. Despite challenges, his unwavering dedication led to exponential growth and success.
I share these stories to illustrate the importance of building your personal brand and staying dedicated to your work, regardless of the circumstances. Imagine if he had succumbed to bitterness or displayed poor behaviour. His trajectory would undoubtedly differ.
Remember, every action shapes your personal brand and your experience as an employee. Stay focused, stay committed, and brace yourself for the opportunities ahead.
For individuals exhibiting poor behaviour and attributing it to the organization, colleagues, or supervisors, it’s regrettable! Such behaviour is unlikely to be tolerated in the long run (said with all due respect). It’s time to take ownership and strive for improvement. Better opportunities await those who are willing to do the work.
Country Head, Customer Experience, UBA Ghana
National Organizer, CXP Ghana
