As a supervisor I have an employee who constantly questions my decisions. It seems that no matter what you say or do she has a "better" idea. Any suggestions how to deal with her?
2007-03-18 11:05:12 · 8 answers · asked by Keri 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
You have plenty of choices here, some better than others. There are really two key considerations:
1. Is she insubordinate? If you insist on something getting done, does it? Focus on outcomes here, not process, if she's getting the same results some alternative way that doesn't have terrible consequences, this may have become a conflict of egos rather than a simple matter of supervision. But, if the answer is no, you need to let her go. I'm all for you adopting a mature, sophisticated, management style...but only up until it gets in the way of the actual work getting done.
2. Is she right? Sometimes there really might be a better way. Try to deflect her onto the task at hand while you "think about it" if you need to...but don't discount every suggestion out of hand. I'm a little worried because the tone of your question is dismissive. Engage her in the process. If there's a reason you need to reject a particular suggestion...explain it. This will probably go a long way toward keeping the peace and it's good for the organization. Processes and procedures tend to outlive their usefulness. An occasional forced evaluation keeps things fresh.
2007-03-18 11:28:54 · answer #1 · answered by David G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe she doesn't understand why you are making the decisions that you are making. And if she has ideas don't be afraid to use them and give her credit when her ideas are successful. There nothing wrong with new and improve ideas plus she may be working in the wrong line of work and you can suggest something that might be more fitting for her. Or she just a go get her kind of girl, and sometime it hard for a supervisor to deal with that kind of person, and it an opportunity for the supervisor to see his/her weakness and improve on it.
2007-03-18 18:26:58 · answer #2 · answered by rma2ks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried to question her input? Have you tried to see if her point is to help or criticize? What do you really think of her inputs?
As an employer, I like people who take care of matters, who think of ways to improve any aspect that can be bettered. In short, I like people who take care of business as if it was their own or with the best interests in heart. I know you're a supervisor, but you're still in charge.
If her point is to make you look incompetent, you may have a need to think for a proper way to let her know you're the boss with the best courtesy. But first, try to get to the bottom of this situation and gauge what the motives are.
2007-03-18 19:16:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theres only one way to deal with these type of annoying people and that is to let them explain their so called 'better idea' and when they've finished point out at least 5 things that won't work then ask them how they would resolve the flaws in thier own plan. You'll find they won't have the answer and they'll feel pretty damned stupid.
Remember you're the boss!!!
2007-03-18 18:29:14 · answer #4 · answered by jojo5050 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the option for many responses.
1. Good idea, but we'll try my way first.
2. Go ahead and do it my way while I consider your option.
3. I really value your input, but for the moment we'll do it this way.
4. Explain to me your idea during your (break/lunch/after work) but for now, we'll go with this method.
5. Hmmm..You may have something there. How will it save the company money and increase production?
6. Sounds interesting but could you put it in writing when you have a free moment during break/lunch or after hours.
7. My way or the highway
2007-03-18 18:12:22 · answer #5 · answered by Eldude 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
She probably feels she knows how to do this better than you. Let her supervise for awhile and you rest. Please do not point out to her that you are her supervisor, I'm sure she won't like this at all. She really would like to have a title and probably doesn't get the respect she deserves on the job.
2007-03-18 18:11:42 · answer #6 · answered by Busy Lady 2010 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Point out who is the supervisor and who is the employee, that should put her in her place.
2007-03-18 18:10:53 · answer #7 · answered by Akbar B 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Tell her that you appreciate her input, but she needs to realize that YOU are the one making the final call on things. It sounds like she is bucking for your job...i know the type. Be stern-yet fair with her. Dont let her get her way-yet still be fair to her. She might stab you in the back and go over your head to try to get you in trouble.
2007-03-18 18:13:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋