Oops! She Did It Again!

Just as she was about to complete a two-year probation for threatening to shove a ball down the throat of a lineswoman, tennis player Serena Williams attacked a U.S. Open umpire. During the Sunday women’s finals, Williams shouted “C’mon” as she hit a powerful forehand shot. Her scream came before the ball landed. Citing a verbal hindrance rule, the umpire awarded the point to Samantha Stosur.

That’s when Williams went bonkers. She spouted a handful of nasty remarks, including: “Aren’t you the one that screwed me over last time here;” “You are totally out of control;” “Hater;” and “We’re in America, last time I checked.” After Stosur won the final match, Williams refused to shake her hand. And in a press conference following the match, Williams refused to apologize to the judge.

I mention William’s behavior in this blog because increasingly the employers I work with demonstrate no interest in hiring people who might bring bad behavior to the office. Several of my clients report that they’ve adopted a “no jerk” policy and that policy especially extends to their youngest employees who are just now starting work. They say bullying behavior worsens overall morale and productivity, something they can’t afford in today’s economy.

If you're an intern, summer associate or new hire, here’s your take-away from Serena’s latest eruption: Work hard, play hard and leave nastiness behind. 
 

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