Know Your Three Employee Types – Change Agents, Fence Sitters & Stonewallers

Poor performers hold an organization back. Organizational mediocrity will reign if the poor performers are allowed to do nothing or create disharmony and get away with it. Most companies rely on a few key performers in the right places to get the job done. Imagine what your organization could accomplish with a simple mix shift in employee type.

The three types of employees.

1. A Players – these are the Change Agents that jump in, provide leadership, have a high degree of accountability and take ownership. (Usually 5-10% of an organization) These are your go to people when you need to get things done.

2. B Players – The bulk of the work force at around 70%. During times of organizational stress or change, they are the “Fence Sitters” because they are sitting around trying to figure out if the organization is going to lean toward excellence or mediocrity. They will “get off the fence” and take ownership if management supports the A Players. They are often full of ideas and will contribute them to the organization but only if it is safe to do so.

3. C Players – Usually 10-20% of any organization. They are often referred to as “Stonewallers” because they stonewall. They are only interested in getting a paycheck and doing as little work as they can get away with. The problem with this group is if they are allowed to get by with poor performance, the B Players will see that management condones their behavior and begin to mimic them. The sooner you identify your “Stonewallers” and move them out of your organization, the sooner the B players will align themselves with the initiatives of the Change Agents.