Navigating the Challenges of a New Direct Report: A Learning Experience in Professionalism

As I embark on my journey as a manager, I recently found myself in the challenging position of overseeing my very first direct report—someone who ultimately left me baffled by their lack of professionalism.

My team engaged in an extensive search for a candidate to fill a crucial role that emerged following my promotion. After evaluating numerous applicants, we were thrilled to extend an offer to an individual who initially impressed us with their enthusiasm and qualifications. However, once they began their tenure, their demeanor took a surprising turn that left me questioning the norms of professional behavior.

Despite investing time in assigning tasks, providing thorough training, and offering guidance, I soon realized they were not meeting expectations. Over six weeks, it became increasingly clear that they were disengaged; tasks I assigned were either neglected or left uncompleted. This continued even as the employee chose to resign, with only two weeks remaining in their notice period. I still delegated smaller assignments, hoping to see some effort, but the response was consistently disappointing. The burden of these unfinished tasks ultimately fell back onto my shoulders.

While it’s disheartening to have this experience, I recognize that sometimes a role simply isn’t a good match for an individual. However, what astonished me most was the apparent lack of accountability demonstrated by someone who, based on their age and experience, should have known better. If I were in their position, I would have made every effort to maintain a positive professional reputation, regardless of my circumstances—but it seemed otherwise for this individual.

I’m sharing this not only to express my thoughts but also to seek insights from others who may have faced similar situations. Has anyone else encountered such a profound discrepancy between expectation and reality in a professional setting? This experience has left me perplexed, and I am keen to hear your stories about professionalism and the lessons learned along the way.