At work I find that my staff refuse to do what I ask them to do and challenge everything. Any suggestions?

Question

I am new to the job and the company and feel that the staff I am now trying to manage are 'ganging up' to see how I will react. The latest is that I've asked them to complete a spreadsheet but they are refusing to do it, at least without a detailed explanation of why the data is needed. This is the first time I have ever managed anyone and I don't want them knowing that I'm feeling completely bewildered by their aggression.

Answer 1

While the employees might be feeling angry at you that the company has chosen to put you at a higher level than them even though they were there before you, ultimately you will be punished if you are unable to get the employees to perform duties as required.
I would sit down with each individual for a one on one and explain that the company is entrusting you with certain duties that you have to bring to fruition. This requires everyone's cooperation and you expect everyone's cooperation.
You need to get across the concept of managerial perogative, and teamwork.
I would present this as nicely as possible knowing that persuading them to cooperate will be less damaging than firing people for insubordination.

Answer 2

You are in a very difficult situation. Your staff are all adults though and should be treated as such. They do deserve an explanation of what they are doing and why they are doing it. People hate doing meaningless, pointless work, but work enthusiastically if they understand that what they are doing is important.

You can also use the 'good cop bad cop' technique and explain that senior management is forcing you to implement the changes and that you will do everything you can to make things easier.

Also you need to be careful about differentiating between requesting and asking. Asking implies that the person has the option of answering 'no'. Requesting is politely telling them to do it.

You might be able to split up the 'gang' by speaking to people individually and finding out what they are annoyed about and don't like. See if you can get anyone on your side.

Hope that helps a bit.

Answer 3

When i started a new job as manager i had the same problem, one member of staff intended to get the managment job but didnt have the experience so i was employed over internal staff. In my job it was intended i should start at 9am, However i was still learning the companys stratergies, The office was open at 7am. Everytime i arrived ot work the member of staff (who was now my assistant) was sitting in my chair doing my paperwork. I knew i had a fight on my hands. I then turned up at 7am sat in my chair and gave her duties for the day, she eventually realised who was boss and sadly she left not able to accept. I have had that job for 17years now and have a good team, A manager should be a leader earn respect , be fair but firm, Remember you have earned that possition its yours take no prisoners.

Answer 4

Good question, been there too. First of all, you are not there to be liked but to be effective - remember that and use it as your mantra. The workers are trying you out and your reaction to this will determine how your future at the company goes. Be firm, be polite, don't ask for something to be done. Don't even say "I need this done" - just put something on the desk and say "this needs to be done by ....(whenever") and walk away. Don't try and be 'chummy' with your staff - you will never get anything done. You have to be firm and effective and once you have got over the initial hump, and they see that you aren't one of their gang, then you will get things done. Sure, you'll be talked about behind your back but haven't we all bitched about the boss before?
Golden rules - always polite, always firm, always fair.
And if you don't get the work done by them, speak to them on a one to one basis (never as a group, they'll all be smirking) and remind them, firmly, that they're employed to do this work and you're employed to manage them, simple as that.
Good luck, I know it isn't easy. Welcome to the world of management.

Answer 5

You are the boss therefore anything you ask them to be done should be done without question. Tell them this and let them know that failure to comply will be met with warnings eventually leading to them being sacked. If they have any real problems they can go to your boss and voice them but unless they are genuine concerns with good reasons then I'm sure your boss will back you up. Your boss obviously employed you as he/she felt that you are a good leader and possess the skills with which to manage this section of the company, have faith in yourself. Good luck and stand your ground!!!

Answer 6

It depends on the situation. Are they older than you? Do they know that you have never done this before? Can you do anything about it if they don't do what you ask?

Some people challenge managers to see what they are about. What you have to do is let them know that you are in control, if that's the case. Ask them why they refuse. If they want to know why, tell them because you asked them to do it. Have a meeting with your staff. Let them know that you are a team player. In order to get the job done, everyone has to work together.

Answer 7

Show your teeth, issue verbal warnings, followed by written warnings. This is followed by the sack, but they will get the way you intend to operate. Management is a lonely job. You will find that a verbal warning is usually enough. In any case if you follow the above procedure, you will not come to grief with the law, or the unions.

Answer 8

They are testing you and your abilities and i suspect you are a quiet reserved personality .Do not fall into their silly games by giving detailed explainations .. try a staff meeting at a time which will inconvienance all and point out that you are new and what you expect from them dont be too friendly point it out in black and white and start issuing warnings and mention they are not indespensible good luck and smile all the way through as you are higher than them xx

Answer 9

if things ain't sorted you will get Ur *** kicked by your manager these people have no respect for you don't be scared of showing your authority as long as you discipline them following the correct procedure u have nothing to worry about they are getting paid to do a job be tough now else they will keep taking advantage your job will become harder for you the longer this goes on good luck remember nobody likes there boss so don't take things personally

Answer 10

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