Wanna Take a Risk on an Up and Comer? Don't throw them under the Bus at the First Sign of Failure

For anyone who is not familiar with this saga you can get a good refresher here. The short version that applies to HR pros is this: Up and comer gets the next step up from supervisor to middle manager with a boss to be named later. He knows that there is some C level dysfunction in the organization, but figures that he will be able to just do the job and make the most out of the opportunity. Manager search goes bust. Many of the top level candidates are bailing because of the dysfunction within the organization. Many decide to stay where they are at in lesser positions with only minor incentive from the potential losing organization. Warning sign? The CEO is frustrated, and since his options are limited, rather than look desperate he hires the up and comer already within the organization to the big spot. The season begins, everyone had low expectations and many people both within and outside the organization doubted the wisdom of the hire. As those expectations start to become a reality the CEO does:

a) Supports new hire with references to "Rome wasn't built in a day" etc.
b) Stays silent on the topic while pushing/allowing his intermediaries to support the new manager.
c) Stays silent on the topic, hires an outside consultant to take a major role in the organization stripping the new hire of much of his authoriity. When intermediaries attempt to support the new hire puts out a strong message that their job may be on the line as well.

If you picked C then you could very well be Dan Snyder the owner of the Washington Redskins!

Look, if you choose to take a risk on someone who shows promise, has the personality, but just not the resume you have some obligations to set clear limits on when you are going to bail on him. I am not saying you just resign yourself to failure, but a little due diligence at the outset would go a long way in minimizing the chaos this has caused in the Redskin's organization (For instance why the 5 year contract if you were even a little bit unsure you think they would have gone a little shorter). The press is now starting to catch on that Jim Zorn is a scapegoat for many larger issues going on in the mediocre football team.

I think many of us have had a chance to "step up" beyond our normal progressive career path in our lives. Usually, I have done it because a need was there and I felt that my leaders had faith in me and would support me and aid me in tough times. That is the obligation that leaders have in these circumstances. If I thought for a second that they would pull the rug out from me as soon as a little heat starts coming I wouldn't volunteer for anything.

Good luck finding your next Head Coach Mr. Spencer. You thought it was tough last time, you haven't seen nothing yet.