Monday, December 10, 2012

Week 3 Assignment




            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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