-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?
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