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Just for a moment, let’s all imagine that our employer approaches us on a Friday afternoon with some concerning information about our workplace futures.
Let’s pretend that the boss bids us a happy weekend with the news that at the completion of our current contract, our services shall not be required.
Essentially, the top brass like us, think we are a decent hard-working employee, yet also hold a collective belief that more efficiency and productivity could be achieved by employing someone else in the job.
The message is rather curiously delivered with something of a caveat -feel free to re-apply for your position, yet be aware we actually see the organisation’s future featuring someone else in the role.
Fundamentally, that is the situation in which St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin finds himself, with the entire rugby league community all well aware of the fact the club is looking for a new coach and is not particularly happy with his performance.
The messaging has been simply astonishing. The mental gymnastics required to navigate the Dragons’ approach to their coach hunt are challenging.
The personal toll on Anthony Griffin cannot be understated. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Should the re-application take place come season’s end, Griffin’s task will be to convince the board that he is indeed the man to take the Dragons forward into their next phase of success.
Yet, the suits have already rather bluntly suggested that he isn’t, by announcing the club will begin interviewing candidates for the position in the near future.
So let me get this straight. In essence, the board are quite publically indicating they are in active conversations with potential new head coaches, determined to find the best person for the job, yet will also reconsider Griffin’s resume should the quest turn up little of substance?
How on earth could Griffin be expected to accept such a new contract should the perfect fit not emerge, let alone continue to complete his current tasks without feeling completely undermined and undervalued in the current circumstances.
Effectively, the Dragons have created a workplace nightmare for the 56-year-old, one that no employee should have to endure.
The lack of dignity, grace and respect surrounding what has become a somewhat difficult saga to watch and follow, is simply an insult to a professional football coach attempting to do his job to the best of his ability.
Like many, I’ve been contracted to complete different periods of employment over the years. Usually things have gone well and every now and again, once the contracted time elapses, both parties have moved on.
Perhaps the employer achieved their goal, got the job done and moved on to the next challenge. Maybe, the job done was not quite what they had hoped for and the organisation then decided to go down another path.
Either way, there is simply no need to approach the contracted individual and effectively inform them that should another contract period be advertised, they would prefer to employ the services of another, yet would also be happy to reconsider them as a candidate should the other applicants not cut the mustard.
Frankly, you and I would most likely tell them to go and jump in the lake, or perhaps something far stronger, and seek out a position within a business that has at least some sense of decency and fairness.
Should Griffin consult a medical professional, acquire a certificate citing workplace stress and take immediate leave from his post, I would not be in the slightest bit surprised. The physical and personal toll must be immense and something he does not deserve.
Naturally, the club’s focus is on their own interests. Board member Peter Doust is reportedly proving to be a road block when it comes to the potential appointment of former Sharks coach Shane Flanagan and Billy Slater has silenced any discussions before they begin, with a firm no delivered after his interest was gauged.
Shane Flanagan. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Should it all go pear-shaped for the Dragons and no suitable candidate emerge, Griffin’s ego will then be massaged by the club, lies will no doubt be told and an effort will be made to hoodwink fans, by suggesting that not doing the due diligence of seeking out the best coach’s on the market would have been a dereliction of Dragon duty.
In reality, St George Illawarra have treated Griffin like trash and with disdain.
For that, those pulling the strings, making the decisions and spinning the narrative, should be ashamed.