I have a a new direct from a re-org who "has no goals - just goes with the flow"

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified)
in
Management and Leadership

Hi -

As part of a recent re-org I have a couple of new directs - the MT 'way' is new to them, so building the rapport / relationships with O3s.

One of the directs is very quiet, reserved, and introverted.  I asked 'what are your goals' as a conversation started (per the O3 form) in our second O3, and the reply was 'I don't have goals - I just kind of go with the flow'.  Not exactly what I was hoping for - but...

His previous manager was not an MT manager - so I figure they have not received effective feedback, coaching, etc.  

My plan is to stick with the Trinity rollout plan - so have O3s for at least 8-12 weeks with these new directs before giving feedback.  

I would appreciate any thoughts.

 

Thanks!
George

 

Submitted by Michael Alan on Wednesday February 1st, 2012 7:46 pm

Hi George,
Everyone has goals, you just have to stick with it and keep building the relationship.  This person may not be career focused and thier goals may be goals pertaining to thier out of work life.  Once you uncover the goals, if they are out of work goals, look for ways that work can help to realize those goals.  The prior manager probably never developed a relationship with this person.  Show them that you care and they will eventually open up.  It may take time, but it will pay off.

Submitted by John Hack on Thursday February 2nd, 2012 9:26 pm

Some folks, JRLZ points out, aren't career focused (at times, and for various reasons).   This is not a high priority issue, and not a feedback issue.
Watch, listen, and discover his strengths.  Make sure to assign tasks that play to his/her strengths.  Put some coaching into place to develop their strengths. 
Give them time to see that you care about developing your people.  Define their goals for now.  As your one on ones continue, you might find their interest igniting. 
John Hack

Submitted by Michael Tickle on Saturday February 25th, 2012 1:23 pm

 I was in a similar situation with a chap who was on "marked time" (couldn't get a pay rise). Through O3's I got to know him and understand what he was naturally motivated to do. I worked with with that and got results. Turns out while he did not want pay and promotion he did want to do a professional job he just didn't like politics.