A business owner seeking to sell their consultancy firm is facing pressure from an employee for a share of the proceeds despite the employee's lack of significant contributions and reliability.
The employee has a history of taking leave without providing reasons, struggling with personal issues like a gambling spouse and wayward children, and making excuses for lateness and incomplete tasks.
Despite not fulfilling potential partnership roles in the past, the employee expects to benefit from the sale, creating a dilemma for the owner who values her personally but doubts her worthiness.
The consultant advises the owner to recognize the manipulation and emotions at play, reminding them that fair severance is sufficient unless the employee offers exceptional value near the sale.
It is suggested that the owner needs to establish clear expectations with the employee, disclose decisions truthfully, and consider legal obligations, fairness, and personal ethics in handling the situation.
The consultant emphasizes the importance of making decisions that align with ethical standards, avoiding feeling resentful or guilty, and maintaining a positive self-image despite potential backlash.
The owner is encouraged to seek advice from trustworthy sources, prepare for retirement after finding a buyer, and navigate the situation with integrity and clarity to prevent unnecessary conflicts.
Ultimately, the consultant encourages the owner to prioritize self-respect, ethical conduct, and fairness in addressing the employee's demands during the sale of the business.
Madeleine Homan Blanchard provides coaching, insights, and advice to well-intentioned managers looking to navigate leadership challenges with wisdom and integrity.
Managers can seek advice from Madeleine by submitting questions via email for personalized responses, with a focus on ethical management and effective leadership strategies.
Madeleine's expertise lies in coaching, speaking, and facilitating leadership development programs, supporting managers in handling the complexities of leadership roles with care and competence.