Everyone wants a high performer, I get it, but your next employee needs to have
A rock star salesman is great and all, but is it worth it if they are a jerk?
Is it worth it if they do not share your values? If they cause conflict? If they gossip?
Allowing people who are a bad fit to remain is a cocktail for unrest.
And showing everyone that money is more important than how you act and who you are, says a lot about you too.
I have seen this issue also popup in the high school sports world.
Of course it would. Because nobody wants to give up their best player.
“Everyone needs to follow the rules X, Y, and Z. But – well – for the star of the basketball team, the rules are a little more malleable.”
As soon as you tolerate mediocrity, or unkindness, or whatever else, you and your brand are tarnished too.
I don’t think there’s an easier or more tempting mistake to make than to hire someone who has great ability or a great track record of performance with the recognition that while they’re not a match with the current values and culture of the company, over time you believe you can bring them into alignment. I’ve made this same arrogant move multiple times over my career, and each time it ended in something between disappointment and disaster.
-Rand Fishkin, Lost And Founder