I recently was brought on as the manager of a small department. I have a pretty hardworking employee who had a task assigned to her today. I got the feeling that she cut some corners on this task, so I asked her how she did it. She basically said that she did it the right way. I went back and checked later in the day after she left, and it was clear that she lied to me about one particular which probably won't cause any problems, but certainly could.
So this leads me to my main question. I have only been there 1 month. I have used this month to learn the business, and have been pretty laid back with them. I didn't want to address something with someone and then find out I'm wrong. I've really only gotten stern with people on serious issues. Now that I know she lied to me about this, how should I address it? There is a very small chance that she did it on accident, but I highly doubt it.
2007-08-29 12:20:53 · 13 answers · asked by Hmm 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
Don't get rough with her just yet. She may eventually become a good employee. It's up to you if you want to confront her about it now, or wait and see if it happens more in the future. Everyone deserves a chance. If she quits or if you fire her, the next person who takes her place might end up being worse than her. You did say she was a pretty hardworking employee. Those can be hard to find sometimes. If you find you need to talk to her about it, try a very mellow low voice approach first. If she is a kind hearted and respectful person, she will probably start correcting the problem.
2007-08-29 12:32:56 · answer #1 · answered by R T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are procedures, and there is the way it is done in the real world, most times they are not the same, and most times because the procedure is wrong, or has not been updated. Before trying to burn her to make your point ie that you are in power check to see if things are right. Stop trying to micromanage as you will develop a bad reputation, let the people do their jobs. Sorry one month in you have no clue as to the real world. Instead talk and learn what the problems are, get advice from your employees and hey those that work in it everyday know more than those that do not. If there is a problem with the procedure get the answers, and the change it.
2007-08-29 19:42:30 · answer #2 · answered by Pengy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then you do nothing unless you are sure it was or was not an accident. You instead watch future projects like a hawk then if it happens again you talk to the individual, they may have just come up with a better method of doing the job!
2007-08-29 19:25:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many persons with seniority like to make up their own rules. I know a lady who took many shortcuts but totally believed that she was right. She trained me her way. Later the manager found out after she retired. He couldn't believe that I was trained like that.
My suggestion is that you simply say "I don't feel comfortable with this way of doing this task because I can see 'this and this problem' happening down the road. Going forward, please do it this way." Part of managing is good persuasion and diplomacy. You attract more flies with honey than with vinegar!
2007-08-29 19:57:17 · answer #4 · answered by Alletery 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hows this- Hit her up about it, head on BUT with a smile on your face and not in immediate confrontational fashion. Then get more serious and stern- this will hopefully make her have respect and understanding rather than react in fear and carry any ongoing hostility. You may be being 'tested' since you're new- keep that in mind
2007-08-29 19:37:47 · answer #5 · answered by Andrew S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The proper thing to do is confront the employee in private and discuss the matter and try to come to a resolution. If that doesn't work, then you have the right (and it would be your job) to report her to your boss or fire her.
The improper thing to do would be not discussing it with employee - or worse yet reporting the matter to your supervisor before having that talk.
2007-08-29 19:27:02 · answer #6 · answered by wildmick21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would let it slide. Maybe she was having a bad day. Give her a chance to do another project the right way and if it happens again, then address her about it.
2007-08-29 19:24:50 · answer #7 · answered by ☆Zestee☆ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't do anything..you don't sound very confident about your job since you are on here asking people how to handle your job...maybe your the one who isn't doing their job right.
2007-08-29 19:26:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the job was done correctly,then it was done right.What does it matter how she did it,as long as no rules were broken.You should congratulate her for getting the job done!
2007-08-29 19:41:48 · answer #9 · answered by poppop1947 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget it this time......... but keep your eye on her..don't make a big deal out of this this time....Retired manager of 40 years.
2007-08-29 19:28:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋