For the first time in a long time though, I’ve had a team member be my highest risk.
That team member is a superstar in their area; very engaged, responsive, fast-paced and has all the qualities you’d want in a star on your team.
However, he has one small problem, he doesn't work within the team. He works outside of it, like ‘do their own thing’, because ‘the process takes too much time’. To make matters even worse, in the course of ‘doing their own things’, he is causing other team members re-work, and also exposing new risks that now need their own mitigation plans.
Under normal circumstances, you wouldn’t give that person a primary role on the project. You’d have someone be the lead, and they would follow that person. Or, you’d have someone be their ‘wingman’, so you could have eyes on them. Unfortunately for me, neither was an option.
To mitigate the risk this person was introducing to my project, what do I need to do? Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Just to give you an example about how a superstar without a team is nothing take a look to Argentina performance in the last FIFA World Cup. While Mesi is too far to behave as you describe your "superstar" behaves (i know about that) this is a good example. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Sure, talk to the person. Find out their story. Highlight what is needed of them and expectations going forward.
Be careful at making this person feel even more important at the expense of the team, project, and organization. Are they getting extra attention, too? Careful not to ignore those doing right and being diligent in their work.
If the person is bored b/c they are so amazing at what they do, then that individual should look for growth opportunities and bring change and solutions to the organization, i.e., work with the team, be a leader, share their mastery, offer positive influence.
If the best player on a sports team is not willing to be a team player and creates a difficult (toxic) environment for the others...what generally happens?
Best of luck. Saving Changes...
Andrea JeanEvents and Meeting Specialist| NoneMontgomery, Al, United States
I have been there throughout my career and it's a tough balance. My issue has always been about being a friend and a boss and I get burned every time. Based on my experience with superstars is back off a little, let them do their thing, but watch their tasks and if they meet them for the common goal. If not, you get internal politics and a nightmare because of it. It's a fine line encouraging employees to greatness yet being sabotaged in the process. Would love to learn more on this topic myself. Saving Changes...
