Question for Managers/Supervisors

[Pugdog007]

What would you do if you had an employee telling others in the dept that they wanted you fired? Would you confront them or let it go?

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I was a manager for Sams Club for 7 years and had one person in my dept. say this. I confronted them, and ended the problem. I felt like if I didn't say something this person would ruin the morale of the whole dept. After I talked to them, I never heard another word about it.

 

[Big Dude]

That is a very tough question. I happened to move into a supervisory position with people who have been my peers for the last 7 years. I knew that one of my workers wanted the position I was in so I was expecting some flack from him. Turns out, the one I least expected posed the most problems.

By nature I'm an easy going guy so I arranged a few meetings and one of them was a "no holds barred" where everyone got to air their grievences reagrdless of who the issue was aimed against. I fielded the issues against me and fired the opposer! (just kidding, I didn't fire him. I wanted to see if you were reading). Insted, I welcomed his comments. This worked great and we were all on the same page.

All of my employees like the fact that I treat them like adults. If they have something that pops up (water heater, kid sick, spouse doctor etc. etc.) They do not have to take vacation or personal holidays as in the past. Stuff happens! Since then, we all have a certain understanding and if they have a problem, they come to see me without reservations. I like it that way!!

Adam aka Big Dude

 

[Kimberle]

I would speak to them. I'd be careful not to reveal exactly what I had heard, only that I heard "something".

 

[browneyes]

I'd speak to them.

 

[Pop Daddy]

fire them, and do it right before Thanksgiving that will teach them

 

[Pugdog007]

Pop Daddy you're reading my mind.

 

[Serena]

confront them, get it over with.

 

[Pugdog007]

Originally posted by Serena
confront them, get it over with.

Like this?

"I know that you want me fired and think you could do my job... unfortunately my job isn't currently open. However, if you'd like to continue working here in the position for which you were hired, you'll keep your big mouth shut and do your work."

How's that?

 

[bclydia]

It doesn't have to be a huge deal but you need to say that you've heard "someone" has been saying it. Perhaps it would work to say it in front of a large group and invite anyone with concerns to approach you privately. Once it's out in the open, it's likely the problem will fade away. Shine a light into the darkness and there aren't any shadows to hide behind!

 

[Serena]

LOL, I like it.

I tried to think of something a little more diplomatic, but you know what? I think your idea is best. That way there is no mistaking how you feel about it.

 

[swea_pea1]

This is a tough one. Only confront the individual if you heard him/her say it first-hand. If it's something somebody else passed to you, be very, very careful. In my experience, employees like this are trying to uncover weaknesses in your management style. S/he is saying what they are to try to get to you...don't fall into the trap.

I'd find a way to turn it into a positive, without a confrontation. In the next departmental meeting, I'd put a spin on the rumors, without actually mentioning them. You don't want to appear as if you are buying into the rumor mill. I'd probably talk about all the opportunity there is in the department or the company. One of the lines I always use is "the best way for me to get promoted is to prepare one of you for my position". That usually gets two points across: first, that I'm interested in the career development of my employees, and second, that I'm not in fear of losing my job to one of them. You have to mean it of course....meet with your employees one-on-one at least once a quarter and check their progress. You'll be surprised at how well they'll react that you're taking an interest in helping them to move forward. In my experience, the folks that work with you will advance and those that don't will eventually become so unhappy at their lack of progress that they'll move on. Lastly, document, document, document. Take note of every insubordinate action. Eventually, people's attitudes come out in their work. If you have enough evidence, you can take care of the problem that way.

Good luck to you!

 

[CEDmom]

Originally posted by Pugdog007
Like this?

"I know that you want me fired and think you could do my job... unfortunately my job isn't currently open. However, if you'd like to continue working here in the position for which you were hired, you'll keep your big mouth shut and do your work."

How's that?

I hope this was a joke. If not, this is a quick way to get this person to turn around and report you to HR for harassment.

 

[Pugdog007]

Originally posted by CEDmom
I hope this was a joke. If not, this is a quick way to get this person to turn around and report you to HR for harassment.

Lighten up, of course it's a joke. This is what I'd like to do... not what I would do.