Jonathan makes a good salary working as one of your "go-to" development staff members. Yesterday he told you in detail the exciting story of his three-week anniversary trip to Bali and the diamond bracelet he bought his wife and the surprise kitchen renovation he engineered for her while they were away.
But two of your administrative team members aren't nearly as excited. Michael mutters to Susan, "That Jonathan creep has no idea what it's like to live on my salary. My wife would like to get a diamond bracelet or tickets to Bali."
"Yeah," says Susan "We put all our money into luxury items like food and childcare."
Discussion
Start off by talking with Jonathan about what you have observed. Let him know that others in the office feel as though he is bragging about his purchases. Tell him that you know he works hard and you understand he was trying to share his exciting news. Tell him you're happy for his fortunes and that you know for a fact that he earns every penny. Let him know that he is a valued employee and that anytime he wants to come to you to discuss exciting things going on in his life your door is open.
It is important to respect Jonathan's right to choose what he spends his money on; however his actions are affecting your other employees' attitudes. Jonathan works hard and uses his money to do or buy things that are important to him and his family. He may have a different life-situation than the other employees with various contributing factors to his spending habits. Ask Jonathan to exercise some restraint around the other team members.
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