How do I keep an employee from being rude?

Question

I have an employee that will enter my office and just start talking, no matter what I may be doing, no tap on the door, no "excuse me," no "do you have a minute?" It's as if she assumes I do nothing all day but wait for her to ask me a question!

How do I stop this behavior, politely?

Answer 1

An open door means that you are available to talk. If you are busy, close your door or leave it ajar and I guarantee that triggers the employee to be more cautious in her behavior and will knock before coming in. A closed/ajar door is a sign of privacy that we grow up with.

Answer 2

It's sad that some people haven't learned this at home. Did u not see this during the interview, when she applied for the job?

Now u have to 'bring her up'. U have to teach her these things. U will do her a favor. If she's a nice person, why not give that to her? That will help her immensely in life.

If she's not nice either, fire her. I hear that's easy to do in the States. There must be so many ok people out there who'd like the job.

Answer 3

You probably need to stop her when she does this rude behavior. When she comes in and starts talking, you could say, "Sorry, Mary, I am busy. Call me later to arrange a time to talk."

If that doesn't work, you may need to call in her in a have a chat. She may not be aware that her behavior is rude. Tell her kindly and calmly. Hopefully, that will take care of it.

If it doesn't, then you need to be blunt. Tell her right off that she is being rude by interrupting you and you don't have time for her questions and ask her to leave.

Answer 4

You don't really have to be polite, tact will do the trick.

Just explain to the employee that you have a great deal of work to do and you really need to concentrate, and you would appreciate some space.

If that is not understood, then you can just do the whole look em square in the eye and say get back to work.

Answer 5

Just politely tell you that you are starting a new policy that everyone must knock and see if it is a good time for you to speak with them.
I'm sure if you are in the middle of doing something, you become distracted from the task when someone just comes in and starts talking at any given time.
So, simply tell her that in order to be more productive, you are making new rules for EVERYONE.. That way she won't feel it's just her you are referring to.
I must say.. You have MUCH more patience than most employers!

Answer 6

Boy how times change *smile*

The bottom line here is that you're the boss and you need to accept and exercise your authority...it comes with the job!
This employee does not respect your position of authority...she needs to know her place plain and simple...

The next time she comes in without knocking (showing a lack of professional courtesy and respect) you look her in the eyes and calmly say..."Please knock before you come in."

Answer 7

Type up a note and place it on your office door that says,

"If door is closed - - I'm in the middle of something. Please be respectful and knock before entering."

Or when she does this, interrupt her and say "I'm busy please come back later, or you need to knock before entering."

Do not be afraid to tell her how you feel, if you do not speak up she'll continue doing the same thing.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I do this all the time and it's great to finally have a boss who listens! However, if you don't wanna encourage that behaviour maybe you should keep your door closed.

Answer 9

You sound too nice, toughen up a bit and tell her and anyone else who thinks it just OK to come barging in to your office that its not acceptable now or in the future.

Answer 10

if you cant close your door ignore her for a few minutes each time. if she doesnt get it just ignore one time untill she leaves. you dont have to be rude, just put your finger up and tell her to hold on a minute.