I have recently been promoted into management and have two employees that dont get along and its starting to create friction within the department. I dont want battle lines to be drawn among the others. This will be my first manager/employee ( I'm sure it wont be the last) test and I want to handle it right. Any suggestions?
2007-01-22 13:18:35 · 4 answers · asked by tpjp19 2 in Local Businesses ➔ Other - Local Businesses
How large of a department are you overseeing? Is there any way you can reduce or eliminate their interaction with each other? If that's not an option, could one or the other be transferred to another department? If not, you may have to sit them both down (together or separately, not sure which would be better) and lay down some ground rules. Keep an eye on the situation, and if you find one is the aggressor, it may be in the department's best interest to let that employee go, as a last resort.
2007-01-22 13:28:24 · answer #1 · answered by ~StepfordWife~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes employees are like children. You will be tested and your future relationship with your employees could depend on how you handle it.
First, you need to discuss the problem with both of them. But not together. Talk to them individually. One will probably blame the other and you will be no further ahead than you were before. So, depending on the situation, you could just talk to them and let them know that while you are now a part of management, you can still relate to issues involving others.
However, they have to understand that you are responsible for what they do. And if that means that you are going to start acting like their boss, you will.
You have to tell them exactly what will happen if they don't at least try to get along and then you have to follow through. Do what is best for the company, and if someone gets in trouble, so be it. If you do not handle the problem, then your employer will find someone who will.
Just remember, at first keep it low keyed. See if they can resolve their issues between the two of them. If not, then you will have to get involved.
Once the others see that you will handle things, you will have more respect.
2007-01-22 13:32:07 · answer #2 · answered by David L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be careful how you discuss issues with them if confronted separately you never know what one of them will think or do. You could end up loosing one, especially the better one, if one feels offended being confronted alone.
I recently had this happen to me. I quit my job because I feel the newer employee was being favored more than I. I feel descriminated because I was the only one of different race.
If you confront them together they might get at it. I'd stay calm and let them do that, eventually they will get embarrassed and stop...I hope. and perhaps realize what the problem is. Find out what would make things better for them. Try to be humorous.
2007-01-22 15:04:25 · answer #3 · answered by hurt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest talking to both employees separately and stating that their not getting along is causing frictions.
Be firm in your words and tell them that they don't have to talk to each other, they don't even have to look at each other, but they MUST be civil if it arises that they must interact with each other.
Warn each of them that no-one is irreplaceable. Tell them they are on notice and if the friction continues with their behaviour not improving then their positions will not be secure in the future.
The last thing you need in your new position is friction amongst other employees.
2007-01-22 13:27:41 · answer #4 · answered by Brighteyz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋