Be careful not to be left with a partially sinking ship

Martin Zagnoev

To then criticise the president and hammer the value of the rand, may have been an overreaction by those with an axe to grind, even if it might have been a mistake to appoint someone who is relatively unknown and inexperienced to that position.

There is nevertheless a different concern about this frequent practice of replacing people, especially when done in haste. There is always good reason for any situation.

If an organisation is performing badly it may not necessarily be the fault of its head or its members. Just dismissing someone would not always solve the underlying problem. In addition to the existing problem, more challenges would be created.

To just get rid of experienced people is not a good idea – they have much information on the running of the organisation and in dealing with its challenges. Starting again with inexperienced staff could be a big setback.

Suddenly firing people is usually an overreaction and is a cruel way of treating those who have been loyal and hard working. This creates some instability in the organisation where the morale of its staff is affected.

They might worry that their own job security could be on the line and consider leaving; they may also not be willing to go the extra mile and serve with loyalty if this and other tough practices are employed. Thus, while management might be intending to run a tight ship, they could land up with a partially sinking ship.

 Sunningdale Ridge, Johannesburg