Entitlement can be defined as the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment. Many small businesses get in the trap of keeping long-term employees that have failed to grow with the business and feel they deserve special treatment. Such entitlement can be devastating to the overall growth of the business and frankly can take a lot of the fun out of running a company. So why are owners and managers so reluctant to deal with “sacred cow” employees?
Unhealthy emotions can create fear and inaction. What if I can’t find someone else? How will I get along without them? I don’t want to deal with this conflict and unpleasantness. Maybe it will magically correct itself. What if they sue me? I’m too busy to bother with this. Unfortunately, failing to deal with the problem early on is probably what created the entitlement.