30 FABRICARE Three Principles of Frogology at Work This story points to three principles of Frogology. First, it is in the nature of frogs to croak and croak they will, regardless of all attempts to quiet them down. This is true of some employees, as well. You can never satisfy these employees and no matter what you say or do, they will continue to croak. My dear friend, the late and splendid Dick Milham, once remarked that you can’t respond to an irrational question with a rational answer. That being the case, there are only two alternatives – (1) live with the croaker and put up with the racket, or (2) replace the croaker with a non-croaker. Second, just like the tree frog, we often find that the smallest number of employees make the loudest noises, while the great majority of good employees go about their work with diligence and professionalism. Sometimes, the loudest noise comes from the smallest places and this can make it sound like things are worse than they are. If this is true, it’s important for managers and supervisors not to be deflected by the croaks of a few tree frogs, but to pay attention to the good work and care that characterizes most employees. Most employees are like Kermit – friendly, nice, hard-working, and accountable. We need more Kermits in the work place. Third, if you have reached the conclusion that you need to dismiss one of your employees, even and perhaps especially a key employee, it’s best to do so quickly, take the heat of the moment, and let the healing process begin. Otherwise, it will be worse at the end than it is now. In other words, if you have to swallow a frog, swallow it quick . . . . And, if you have a question about Frogology or about employees or any other Human Resources Management issue, please call or email your Seay Management Consultant. Like Kermit, we are always pleased to talk with you, “ . . .the lovers, the dreamers and me.” DLI members receive 1 FREE hour of human resources consultation. DLI Members receive a free one-hour phone consultation with Seay Management, DLI’s human resources partner. Call the Seay team at 888-245-6272. BULLE TIN NO. 45