Recruitment dilemma: How to deal with a nodding dog

Recruitment dilemma: How to deal with a nodding dog

clock

Of all the characters you can have on your team, a nodding dog may seem the most benign, but is potentially the most dangerous with a lack of enthusiasm that can quickly make attitudes go sour....

The nodding dog is deeply unhappy at work. You may sense this intuitively or someone you trust may pass on a vibe from a previous conversation with those involved in confidence. The trouble is that when you take the time to try to engage with or even just communicate with a nodding dog, they tell you everything is fine or even great. There are no complaints from them. They understand and agree with everything that's going on in the business - until they are out of earshot. Other members of staff may be aware of their complaints and camaraderie encourages them to join in. Their perf...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Advisers: Are you even taking your own advice?

Advisers: Are you even taking your own advice?

Exploring the expenditure consolidation conversation

Nick Ryan
clock 25 March 2026 • 4 min read
CISI welcomes 76 Certified financial planners

CISI welcomes 76 Certified financial planners

Number of UK CFP professionals continues to rise

Sophia Panayi
clock 24 March 2026 • 1 min read
'Nobody is big enough not to be bought'

'Nobody is big enough not to be bought'

Roderic Rennison on the future of deals in the advice industry

Isabel Baxter
clock 20 March 2026 • 1 min read