Rotten Apples: What to do, how, when, why? Rather in business, family, or social…they’re everywhere. What’s the difference between a rotten apple and a trouble-maker? There’s a big difference between them, but the effect of them is the same. In my judgment, most “rotten apples” cannot be saved. If you have a rotten apple in the system, it’s just like a fruit…. Once the rotting process starts… it can’t be stopped. You may as well just get rid of it, be it an employee, co-worker, or whatever…. If it’s within your power…. Get rid of it. On the other hand, a trouble-maker can be both a trouble-maker and a rotten-apple. If they’re combined into the same person…. Then absolutely get rid of them; and if you’re a co-worker… then request a transfer, or get another job. A rotten-apple/trouble-maker combination is absolutely beyond help; at least not worth the trouble, energy, or the cost of rehabilitation… forget them. So, let’s focus on a trouble-maker. The only difference in the combo and the trouble-maker-only, is the T-M-O (trouble-maker-only), in many cases, can be saved. The process will tax you to no-end, but once you decide…to save the guy; then have a “heart-to-heart,” and explain the POA (plan-of-action). I’m not going to dwell on it here, except to say: map out a precise plan of rehabilitation, i.e., counseling, seminars, re-training, re-commitment, etc. Get him to “sign a contract,” promising to follow the plan, and exact a commitment out of him; and if he strikes out….then get rid of him. Allow, as part of the POA, just so much time for him to “come-around,” and if he fails to cooperate….out he goes. One of the important parts of the POA, must contain a “spiritual element.” If this is not possible from a “company perspective,” then the POA, and the trouble-maker… will fail. Matthew 7:15-20– “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Galatians 5:22– But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Matthew 7:16– You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? …Blessings… cjlb…5/30/14
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