PaulPallazola
March, 1992 Lynn, Massachusetts
I was managing a group home for dually diagnosed emotionally disturbed people with developmental disabilities. It was in one of Lynn’s toughest neighborhoods, located next door to a house that had been raided by police twice in the previous year.The job was immensely stressful and that stress was compounded by the fact that I was accountable for everything that happened onsite whether I was on duty or not & that my Assistant Director Myriam had attempted to undermine my authority telling employees she did not share my philosophy of treatment. She and another ful-time employee named Terry had shown a generally passive aggressive approach to their work which I found extremely frustrating when trying to make a difference in the lives of people with unique issues and needs.In an effort to improve the workplace culture I brought in some new people to work, Ron Brown, a great relief manager who I had hired at the previous group home I had managed in Lynn & Beata Murrell, new to the field but highly motivated and a fast learner. One Saturday evening I received a phonecall from Beata reporting that Myriam had failed to give the correct dosage of anti-convulsant medication to an epileptic man & upon having her error discovered, had attempted to persuade Beata to cover for her mistake, saying that “Black staff should stick together”. I took disciplinary action against Myriam for insubordination and negligence. I was more disturbed about her attempt to cover up her mistake-dishonesty at the expense of the individuals we service and coworkers struck me as particularly offensive when this woman had been placed in a position of authority. Myriam filed a grievance criticizing Beata’s work & claiming that I had conspired with her to remove Myriam as Assistant Director. Fortunately folks at the agency had seen enough of Myriam’s workplace behavior that they didn’t buy it. I was deeply appreciative of Beata’s integrity in confronting someone who was attempting to abuse their authority. It felt good to know I had a couple of people I could trust at that house.
Insightful case study for teamwork; team rules and team roles.
Two important things in choosing people to work are integrity and ability. Without one of them, work, team, leadership or organization will suffer disruption and loss. Great post for the wisdom, Paul!
Thanks Albert. In my current job we have a saying “Hire for attitude, train for skills.” It’s worked well for us’
That’s a great reference, Paul! Though of course a careful selection process is required, given the attitude, especially integrity, is relatively difficult to measure! If that worked well already, then you have a great team for it.
Very interesting story
Thank Tour Ishtar.
Thank you Ishtar !
A very interesting experience you have had – makes for a very interesting read