The Smooth Project Manager

OK, I admit it, I’ve promised something to an employee that I was not able to deliver.

Let me tell you the story, that employee was a loyal and dedicated employee that I loved having in my staff. The thing with her that she wanted to follow another career in a huge company. I did my best to convince to stay, I gave her 3 promises, of which I was able to deliver only two of them. The third promise was a substantial raise, which I was able to give her, but I was not able to justify it anymore after knowing that she was not going to stay either way.

Eventually, I did not give her the raise, because I felt that I will lose my credibility when she leaves. She hated me for that, she hated me for everything I did and I did not do for her, and she questioned my influence in the company. I lost her respect, and I lost her trust. Funny thing is that I did the same thing to an employee in another company, although his raise was blocked by the General Manager back then. It wasn’t beautiful either.

I treat her right now as any other employee, and I’m counting the days for her to leave. She was, again, one of my best resources.

Never make a false promise to an employee, for you will surely regret it. Make sure that you don’t promise more than you can deliver, and make sure that your promises are executed in very short time frames.