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Don’t Be Star Struck

Star employees are tricky beings. They can make your business, but, unrestrained, they can also be its undoing. Star managers were credited with Enron’s explosive growth. However, they were also responsible for the company’s demise.

You may unknowingly bestow a “halo” on your star players. That is, you will assume that because their sales record is impeccable, all other aspects of their work are perfect as well. And because you are so convinced of their flawlessness, you may discount any complaints about them. For their part, the star players may assume that the hands-off treatment means they are above the usual workplace policies.

Unrestrained stars may be abusive to coworkers. Or they may set their own hours and days off, without any regard for the office’s staffing needs.

The best way to rein in the office “royals” it to hold them to the same rules as you would “the commoners.” Reward the star for her fine work but remind her that while she may be in a class by herself when it comes to her performance, she isn’t when it comes to the company code of conduct.