How do you handle problematic subordinates?

Answer 1

Depends on the problem. If their attitude is interferring with business and they are creating a hostile work environment, then they have to go. Just because they choose to be sour about something doesnt mean everyone has to come to work and walk on eggshells, you have to think collectively. If they are having issues with arriving on time, sicktime, etc, well, they sign an agreement knowing full well that they had a certain time to arrive and what they get as time off, so address the issue with paper in hand and give them two weeks to get back on track, write them up in a warning and state if it happens again, then they will be terminated. I always thought an open forum for discussion was a good idea, when you have quite a few employees, you also can take a anonymis poll and see what issues they have, to get them thinking of solutions to their own problems and when you instill those solutions and they still dont like the environment, they have only one place to look. The strong arm tactic never works because you create anamosity. Alot of the time subordinates just want to know that there voice is heard and dont want to feel less then. I know there is a pecking order, but you do get more with honey then vinegar.....Good luck.