Judd Gregg Employment Lessons

Much has been made of Senator Judd Gregg’s decision to withdraw his nomination as President Obama’s choice to be Secretary of Commerce. (Click here and here.) It undoubtedly upset President Obama and his administration. Some say it reflects poorly on Gregg to have such a quick change of heart.

There are a few employment lessons worth considering from this political episode. These lessons not only apply to executives and their companies but to all employees and employers.

It’s not unusual for employees and employers to have doubts or begin second guessing whether they’ve made the right decision about a job. It’s important to listen to those doubts rather than marching blindly onward because you’ve already said yes.

If you’re the employee, make sure you have a clear understanding of what you’re getting yourself into. If you’re the employer, know as much as you can about the employee’s qualifications and experience.

Regardless of which side you’re on, don’t hesitate to follow-up with questions and doubts. It’s hard to imagine a situation where both the employer and the employee wouldn’t have or want additional input, but it’s more likely than not that neither the employer nor the employee will make the follow-up call.

Don’t make or accept a job offer unless you’re as sure as you can be. It’s fine for either side to say let’s think about this before a final decision is made — and then really think about it. If you’ve said yes and then realize that the right answer is no, fix the situation immediately. But be careful, particualrly if you’re the employer. If you’ve offered the job, the employee has said yes, then quit his current job, and you say I’ve changed my mind, you may already have a contract on your hands.