I'm busy today, but there's something tickling my mind and I don't know what to think of it. There's a guy at work who really doesn't know what he's doing, and no one wants him on their project, including me. He's supposedly an engineer, but he doesn't know much about hardware or software. I think he wants to be a manager, but he can't do much more than take down action items on a spreadsheet. I'm not quite sure why he still has a job, but he does. When he was on my project he bugged me and I didn't want to waste my time working with him, but now I feel bad that no one else does either. So was I wrong to get rid of him, or are my current feelings unjustified? Am I right to feel pity, but also right not to want him on my project because he's useless? If he could be fired then at least I wouldn't have to think about it anymore.
The capitalist in me thinks it's good that no one wants to use him, because he's not a good worker and if no one wants him then there's a better chance of him being fired. It's just business, after all. I can understand the attraction of socialism (or civil service) though, since no one wants to lose his job. My preference would be that this guy finds a way to be productuve, but failing that I either a) shouldn't worry about feeling bad, or b) should give him make-work to keep him busy.
If he isn't good at his job, then he probably isn't enjoying it, either. It sounds like he's in the wrong job, and maybe you wouldn't really be doing him a favor by helping him stay there. Getting fired from a job you hate can be the best thing in the world, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time.
Who's his direct manager? That's the person responsible for developing the current talent pool and focusing it where can be best used by the company. If there simply isn't a fit between company and worker, sending him on his way to find a place he fits in better is the most humane thing to do for both the worker and the company. If it's like you describe it, I can't see how he is happy with his job.
If you are going to be the samaritan and help him out, do it in a way that doesn't hurt your project. Take him out to lunch and find out what he really wants to do. Provide some coaching tips or suggestions how to improve or update his skills. Find out why he was hired in the first place and what skills he brought to the table then and discover why they aren't being utlized now. But do NOT put him on your team because you feel sorry for him. Your job is to do your project, not run a charity.
Both: He's older, and it doesn't seem like he's have an easy time finding another job, plus he thinks he's good at what he does. Or at least he acts like it. I don't really like the guy, and I know I certainly shouldn't waste shareholder resources trying to help him, but I do feel sorry for him.
Mike, is there a job in you company that no one else has the time or deisre to do but that could be accomplished by this employee?
We had a co worker a few years ago that fit you description to a t. We put him in charge of tracking mandatory training (EEOC, Sexual Harrazment, Safety). Basically he ran the spreadsheet that tracked who had or had not attended the training and sent anoying reminders to those who missed the training.
R: Probably, I think that's what he's doing now, but he's making like $100k a year for secretary work.
The person who has set him up for $100k a year for secretary work needs to identify other tasks that can be brought into the mix. Big companies can find places for people like this and in a productive society that's what is needed. Unfortunately, managers and human resource people with the skills to do that are rare.
My experience is that, unless it becomes a confrontation where people start digging in their heels, these situations work out over time. It just doesn't feel that way when it's 11 am on a workday and you're looking at what he's doing now and what he should be doing.
Just look at the bright side! If the "Bush economy" were as screwed as our friends on the left keep saying, this guy would have been gone long ago.
When idiots can keep their jobs (in the private sector, that is), the job market's got to be pretty good.
On a more serious note, it's management's job to send idiots on their way. If you can get this guy out of your hair and get your job done, you've done your duty.
Am I so old that I'm the only guy who can recall the "Peter Priniciple"? Sounds like he's already been promoted to a place where he can't do anyone too much harm. Put him out of your mind, he's not your problem anymore.