How many times have we heard supporters at football or rugby matches lambasting the coach for what he / she saw as the wrong players being picked or the wrong tactics being used? These people then proceeded to tell other supporters around them what they would do differently, and of course better, if they were in charge.

When it comes to business, how many times have we come across the ‘if I was in charge’ member of staff? These people exist in many businesses, the ones who just gripe and moan in the background about anything and everything. If these people are simply allowed to carry on without being tackled it can have a severely detrimental effect on the business – if the culture within the business is wrong they will gather followers, those who have what we call ‘Churchill Syndrome’ (after a certain insurance TV character i.e. they go around saying ‘oh yes’!). Soon they can undermine the very fabric of what the business is trying to achieve. Unfortunately many businesses take the approach of “it’s just them”, “it’s what they’re like” and don’t realise the damage this does.

Managers should spot these people immediately and deal with them; find out why they are so negative and try to address the issues, alternatively constantly undermining management / decisions can be a disciplinary offence! Getting the culture right within the business also helps as the vast majority of staff will be positive and therefore also deal with such people through peer pressure. Some people moan for effect, if no-one’s listening they will stop or alternatively leave the business.

If you would like to discuss any aspect this HR article in more detail, please contact us at info@connectivebusiness.co.uk