A loved one belongs to
a recreational sports team.
He is as or more competent
than his team mates,
but when there are too many players,
he is ALWAYS asked
to sit the game out.
Why?
Because he doesn’t complain
when he’s asked to do that.
The other players complain
loudly and bitterly.
The organizer doesn’t like confrontation
so he doesn’t ask them
to sit the game out.
The organizer believes
that’s the easiest solution.
It isn’t.
My loved one
is considering switching leagues.
He can do that easily
because other people
know he’s a team player
and is great to play with.
Which will leave the organizer
with only the complainers.
I suspect there’s someone
on your team
who quietly follows your instructions,
shows up every shift
and does her job.
I also suspect
you’re tempted to give her
more of the sh*t jobs.
You are likely tempted
to pander
to the sh*t disturbers,
giving them their way.
Realize that your star
likely notices this.
She likely has other options.
And, if you push her too far,
she will take them.
Don’t reward
the squeaky wheels
(unless you want
more of those).
Treat the quiet wheels
well.