What to Do When an Employee Smells

One of the first readers of my book quickly asked for a consultation over coffee.   I anticipated a spirited discussion  regarding the finer points of teamwork.  Or perhaps the world view and local actions of the leader?  Or, minimally, motivation for the work team?

Nope.  Instead, "One of my team members smells really bad and I don't know what to do about it."

Why is it worth talking about?    Because as valuable as philosophical leadership discussions are. . . some of the things that are most vexing in the work place are things like "One of my team members smells really bad and I don't know what to do."

You talk about it.

And it sounds something like this.  "Your work performance is really good and your team members really enjoy your company. . and I want you to take that to heart because I hate to bring this up.  Some people have observed you don't always smell like you just stepped out of the shower. . .and I really need you to address it."

"My right hand person is so great. . .but he just won't shut up.  .  . and I don't know what to do about it."

Ironically. . .you talk about it.

And it sounds something like this.  "You know you are incredibly valuable both to me and the remainder of the team, so I hate to bring this up.    Work styles can be very different.   Some people can be very productive being very quiet.   Some people like you can be very productive and talk all of the time.     The problem is that the latter disrupts the former. . .and I need you to tone it down a little bit."
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"Francine  is constantly whistling. . .and she's whistling off-key. . .and I don't know what to do about it."

You have to talk about it.

And it sounds something like this.  "Francine, I love the joy and energy you bring to the workplace, but I need to ask you a favor. . .would you please whistle a little less. . .some people don't have your same energy and they find it distracting."

All of these talks share these things in common:     they recognize the strength of the team member, they name the challenge and they make a request for change.

So, those things that you really don't want to talk about?     What you really need to do is talk about 'em.

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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available for e-readers, tablets and PCs from Amazon Kindle.