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Most Valuable Employees
January 30, 2008

Chances are that if you have an employee that you cannot afford to keep, you have an employee that you cannot afford to let go.  

I got the news today that a manufacturer (from whom we purchase products) let one of their hardest-working, long-time employees go.  I was floored.  "Are they crazy!?!" was my exact response.  Of course, I do not work for that company and do not know all of the circumstances surrounding the lay off but I have a feeling it was because of how valuable this employee was and what it was costing the company to keep her.

I am inclined to believe that this was a grave mistake on the part of this manufacturer.  This person was a one-woman wonder and would be an asset to any company.  "Did you tell her she could come work here?" I asked my mom.  She replied, "We probably can't afford her."  I say that any employee whom you cannot afford to have is the one most worth having.  Am I right?  One great employee can take the place of 2 or 3 "warm-body" employees.

I know it's not my business what this manufacturer decided to do with it's work force but it does affect me.  Everyone in our company had built a relationship with this person including myself.  I found it a pleasure to work with her on parts, credits, and anything else that ended up on my desk in reference to her company.  You can't buy good relationships between a store and a manufacturer... these must be built.  I will find it difficult to view this manufacturer in the same close, personal light to which I have become accustomed.  Some company will be very blessed to have this amazing woman added to their staff. 

Posted by Kelly Nelson on January 30, 2008 | Comments (0)