Timing is everything

If you've ever been responsible for a team, you know the pitfalls of getting involved in an employee's self deprecation. We've all seen it before, they have an excuse for everything. Projects are always late and they seem unable to give you a good sense of where they are. You find yourself involved story after story. An endless song and dance. Do yourself a favor and nip this behavior in the bud quickly.

Dan, a team manager for Arlington software firm, TIBCO, found himself in this situation one too many times. "At first I felt sorry for him, but after the 5th and 6th times of having to explain to my Directory why I couldn't keep things on track, I lost it and fired him on the spot. In retrospect, I should have kept detailed reporting on the incidents. Now the company is being sued for breach of contract, and my Director is hanging me out to dry."