Don't Let One Person Hold Your Company Hostage

 

March 6, 2021

I have worked with no fewer than 4 companies where one person would refuse to train others on his or her position, possibly because s/he wanted job security, possibly for other reasons.

 

At one place, the Information Hoarder had to be on medical leave for 6 months, and the company was in a world of hurt.

 

To avoid being caught in that type of situation, take these steps:

• ALWAYS have a procedure manual for each department. It won’t contain the extra knowledge in the Information Hoarder’s head—which clients need special handling, how to deal with quirks in the software, etc.—but you won’t be crippled if the person is gone for a while.

• If you already have an Information Hoarder and cannot convince the person that it is in his or her best interests, as well as the company’s, to train someone, ask the company that provided the software how much it would charge to train someone else. It’ll cost you, but you won’t be at the mercy of the Information Hoarder any more.

Protect your company. Don’t let someone else call the shots.