When one accepts a job offer from a company, they are taking a risk. They are betting that they will have a fruitful, and profitable, time at that company they have decided to join.

One thing they do not realize is that their direct supervisors — who may have been part of the interviewing and selection process — are also taking a risk and making a bet with them.

Sometimes, the bets pay off. Sometimes, they do not.

Sometimes, it is great at the start. But then it devolves into something else as time passes.

Knowing when to stop betting and when to stop losses is key.

For both the employee and the boss.

Both have the prerogative to say, “Enough!” after having tried all means to find ways to make the bet still work.

And both should realize that it is normal for bets to end.

In my career, I have made bets on people who have joined my team. There were great bets that resulted to friendships and mutual benefits. There were bad bets that started as good bets, that I had to manage and make the most of, and sometimes, walk away from.

It is sad to walk away from a bet. We are talking about people and their future and wellbeing after all. But as leaders and managers, we have responsibilities not just to individuals but to multitude of teams within the organization.

I write this because I think a bet has turned sour, and once again, I have to find my way around it.