-The team has turned feral. It’s unbelievable.

-That’s a strong word, feral. 

-They’re behaving like wild things. Vicious, cruel.

-Not much of a team, then?

-Each one out for themselves. And performance has slipped badly.

-When did this start?

-Things started to unravel quite soon after we hired Gordon.

-Gordon, your star fund manager?

-He’s very gifted. Possibly the smartest person I’ve ever met.

-So where’s the problem?

-He’s seriously disruptive.

-How so?

-He has to win every argument. At any cost. Full frontal attack.

-And how do the other members of the team react?

-Some give as good as they get. Then things go south very quickly.

-And the others?

-They withdraw, disappear. Zero engagement. But plenty of nastiness in the corridors.

-Before you hired Gordon, how was the team?

-Not perfect. Many of the usual issues. But all that has ramped right up into the red.

-It seems you’re clear about the cause of your present troubles. 

-If only Gordon would just behave better.

-That doesn’t sound like much of a plan. What do you think needs to be done?

-I’ve spoken to him many times. He should get it. He’s very smart.

-And yet…

-Look, he’s got an outstanding investment brain. And a great track record at his previous shop.

-Doesn’t seem to be making a positive contribution.

-Maybe I need to give him more time. Maybe he’s just settling in.

-Sounds like he’s unsettling everyone instead.

-We made a big noise about him when he was hired. This star manager was going to bring his magic. We lobbed serious cash at him.

-If you could wave a wand, what would a solution look like?

-I don’t know. It should work out. I’m sure it will.

 

Reflection

  • In this dialogue, what is Gordon’s boss trying to avoid?
  • What might be at the heart of this avoidance? And the consequences?
  • What would you advise? What would you do?