One
of the hardest parts of having any supervisory or managerial authority is to
let a person go. No matter what the reason it is a difficult situation. When
you know that this position is important to that individual for them to pay
bills or if they have a family to help support that family, it’s definitely a
feeling no person enjoys. However in a situation such as this, you have to do
what works best for the company. If there is an employee that is creating an
unhealthy work environment, then you have to make sure that this situation is
corrected. In my opinion there are a few ways to deal with a situation like
this.
With
it being noted that this employee is a confrontational type of person. There of
course needs to be a certain level of caution when approaching someone like
this. The first step I would make would be to approach this employee about
their performance. I would get some proof to show them their performance
compared with other anonymous employees as well as the level or standard of
work of which the company expects. This gives the employee a chance to see
their production and if they care enough, to improve and become a better more efficient
employee. The other way of delivering such news to such an employee would be to
give the employee “three strikes”. Give the employee an opportunity to change
and improve the parts of their job that are not meeting the standards. Give
them an ultimatum with a certain amount of time for a deadline, and that
hopefully would light the fire under them. Another tactic would be making an
announcement among your employees stating that you are looking to hire new
staff, for those who do not step their performance up. For the most part an
announcement like this one, is one that would improve performance among anyone
slacking and improve performance among those who are already solid employees.
The last tactic which may prove the most efficient would be active listening.
Maybe ask this employee if there’s a reason their performance is a certain
level. Maybe ask if there’s a way to make the job easier and the environment
more friendly and inviting for them. Regardless there will be reactions that
you must anticipate:
Now with these
options for approaching the employee, you also have to anticipate their
reactions. Depending upon this person’s demeanor, if they’re violent or
unstable, it would probably be smart to have security on hand and nearby. They
may be emotionally unstable depending upon your approach, which makes things
complicated especially if you’re sympathetic. They may be dramatic and start
name calling, cursing and acting the opposite of professional. I think all of
these possible reactions all stem from the approach.
The more direct
and conforming you are, the better chance things will go smoothly. If you are
assertive and abrasive, expect the same reaction in return. When it comes down
to it, no matter how unruly and satisfactory this person’s work performance may
be, they still are human beings and must be treated well.
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