• Gorillas: How to handle a problem employee (for CEOs and business owners)
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Posted on November 2, 2011 by Dave Crenshaw
In over a decade of coaching, I have never once found a small and growing business that doesn't have at least one gorilla in it. And that gorilla is both a great blessing and a great curse to the business owner. In this brief video I’ll help you identify the “gorilla” in your business, and show you two powerful action steps you can use to regain control, improve performance and boost morale. Action Steps:
  1. Watch this video and ask yourself: "Does my business have a ‘gorilla’? If so, who is it?”
  2. If you discover a "gorilla" in your business, follow these steps in order:
    1. Give them rules and systems that they need to follow and hold them accountable to those boundaries.
    2. If after a month or two, step one didn’t work, then release them from the business. Both they and your business will benefit from the change.
  3. Share your perspective or ask questions on this page.
Principles:
  1. A “gorilla” in a business is someone who is very strong and powerful. They have great ability, but they also create chaos and make messes throughout the business--they are a problem employee.
  2. Usually, this "gorilla" is a family member or close friend of the business owner or founder. Because of their privileged position, they feel that they can bend the rules.
  3. "Gorillas" negatively affect the business because:
    • Employees see the double standard and are confused and demoralized by it.
    • The business owner experiences stress, extra work, and a feeling of being trapped by this employee.
  4. When you take care of your "gorilla" problem:
    • The employees throughout the company will feel more motivated and inspired.
    • The business can mature and begin to operate according to systems and accountability instead of personality.
 
This post was sponsored by the Dave Crenshaw’s Invaluable CEO Coaching program. Would you like to work one-on-one with Dave to develop a strategy for your business? Click here to learn how to apply: http://DaveCrenshaw.com/CEO (For business owners and CEOs only) Receive coaching from Dave Crenshaw
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  • Lisa

    After nine years of dealing with a gorilla and all of the frustration surrounding her, your coaching helped me to understand that I had this gorilla.  Within a couple of months of working with you, I  caged the gorilla and then released my gorilla into the wild after failed “cage” attempts.  I have never been happier and more productive on a daily basis now that the gorilla is gone.   Thank you!!

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      It’s amazing what a difference it makes to the business, isn’t it? Gorillas seem invaluable to a business, when in fact they hold it hostage. Once you move past him or her, the business is free to mature and grow.  Thank you so much for your comment and allowing me to serve you, Lisa.

      • Bernice Symes

        I don’t have this problem but it’s good to know the solution! The morale of the employees is so much better when the gorilla is caged or released into the wild for sure!  (smile)

        • Bernice Symes

          Maybe a gorilla should think:  will employees or employers clap or cry when I leave? hmmmm