Looking for some advice on how to deal with an employee. - Page 3 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Cowperson · 03-07-2008, 09:44 PM

A friend of mine had to fire someone a while ago.

Did everything right. Put in her in the small chair, sat in the big chair, leaned forward over his desk with his hands clasped in front of him and gave her the bad news with a straight face.

"Well . . . . cream my jeans," was her astonished reply.

He had nothing to say after that.

Cowperson

Fozzie_DeBear · 03-07-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cowperson

"Well . . . . cream my jeans,"

Funny...that is what I said when I was hired...

gordo67 · 03-08-2008, 07:48 AM

Increase her work load a bit, make her work later hours and Saturdays. Make it semi uncomfortable for her, eventually she will quit. It might not sound the most ethical way of doing things but it works like a charm (most times) Bottom line is you are the employer and she is the employee. Make subtle changes to her work load and hours.

pope04 · 03-08-2008, 08:02 AM

Back when I was in business, I had an employee that had an awkward way of dealing with clients. I tried talking to her to no avail, so finally I tried a different tack: I started dealing with my customers personally, even when she was standing right there.

This bothered her, and she expressed this to me. I let her know that this was how I wished to have my customers dealt with, and she tilted her head and a little light bulb glowed above her head.......she suddenly got it.

Her customer service skills improved and she stayed with me for seven years after that.

fredr123 · 03-08-2008, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordo67

Increase her work load a bit, make her work later hours and Saturdays. Make it semi uncomfortable for her, eventually she will quit. It might not sound the most ethical way of doing things but it works like a charm (most times) Bottom line is you are the employer and she is the employee. Make subtle changes to her work load and hours.

It's also a good way to get sued.

gordo67 · 03-08-2008, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredr123

It's also a good way to get sued.

That is the problem in todays society, everyone is looking to sue. It is his businsess and if she isn't doing what he wants her to do then get rid of her. What is wrong with increasing her work load or making her work different hours? There was no formal contract written up so I don't see the problem, by me saying make "semi uncomfortible" I mean by changing her hours and work load. What is the difference what she has to do in her 8 hour shift? SHe is the employee, if he wants her to make him coffee then so be it, he is the boss. Problem is she has been there so long that she thinks she is the boss.

4X4 · 03-08-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordo67

That is the problem in todays society, everyone is looking to sue. It is his businsess and if she isn't doing what he wants her to do then get rid of her. What is wrong with increasing her work load or making her work different hours? There was no formal contract written up so I don't see the problem, by me saying make "semi uncomfortible" I mean by changing her hours and work load.

Weak. You're saying that suing is a problem in today's society, but at the same time, advocating taking a coward's way out. What kind of a spineless loser would deal with a problem employee that way?

Antithesis · 03-08-2008, 09:40 AM

Now, now, 4x4, what you're missing is the very real issue that suing is only an issue for the people being sued!

Bend it like Bourgeois · 03-08-2008, 02:35 PM

You can't fire her fast enough. Keeping her does you, and she, no favours.

At this point its a financial question.

Performance her out - big headache, no cost
Buy her out - no headache, big cost

If you want to help her and still have some respect for her, sit her down and tell her she's obviously not happy, she needs to tell you what would make her happy, or ask for your help finding another job. Make your decision on the above first though. You're committed either way.

peter12 · 03-08-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordo67

Increase her work load a bit, make her work later hours and Saturdays. Make it semi uncomfortable for her, eventually she will quit. It might not sound the most ethical way of doing things but it works like a charm (most times) Bottom line is you are the employer and she is the employee. Make subtle changes to her work load and hours.

Or just fire her.

Locke · 03-08-2008, 02:53 PM

Man, hopefully she isnt like the rest of us responsible employees who cruise CP on the company dime.

That, could get awkward.

HOZ · 03-08-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sample00

The concept of going for a coffee outside of the work environment is a good one, but you just gotta know that she will know somethings up.

We havent done that before (gone for coffee to talk) and well, its gonna be interesting to see if she is willing to go.

It's not so much that its poor service because there are clients that love her to pieces. In fact, I had one in today that said we had the best staff in town. so, this is going to go over really well, ya know.

But the way she deals with some of the new clients is, like wow, did you just say what I thought you said????

I have to make a change and to be quite honest, I dont know if going for coffee is going to be the answer. I am truly at a point where I just dont want her here anymore. Its sad but if I am being honest, its how I truly feel.

I even did the old, how much severance am I going to have to pay her to dismiss her, in my mind. But then its, how can I dismiss her in a nice manner.*holds head* I am so confused....

Definit sitting down and talking with her is the best way to start. The thing is if she was a good employee before she can still be a good employee now. Find out what is bugging her without criticism of her or her job. Something in her life may have changed and that may have set things off. Making it difficult for her to deal witht he changes at work.

I friend of mine had a similar situation to yours. Company changing/ growing and a good longtime employee was not preforming like he used to. Basically, it ended up the guy just couldn't handle the new workload in that time of his life. So my friend, instead of firing him helped him look for another job more to his liking. No firing, no anger...all happy.

FlamesAddiction · 03-08-2008, 08:12 PM

I'd take her out for lunch one day and just tell her that you noticed that she doesn't seem happy at work any more. Then explain to her that life is too short to be miserable and that you would be supportive if she wanted to move on. Offer to be a good reference and be understanding.

In short, try to make letting her go seem more like her idea.

sadora · 03-08-2008, 11:55 PM

Ultimately you have to do what's best for your business. You have to be direct and explain the situation to her as well as your options. She's been with you for a long time so you obviously want to give her the chance to fix the problem. If after this she doesn't change then unfortunately you have to let her go. It's great that as an employer you want to be loyal to her but business is business and she has to be able to contribute to the overall success of your company. Good luck and I hope you're able to solve the situation the best way possible.

Sample00 · 03-09-2008, 10:09 AM

thanks for all the input, guys/gals.
I knew I could count on the CP faithful for a wide variety of advice.
I am going to take a few days and plan things out for a meeting.
I guess we shall see how it goes. I want to make sure we do it all on the up and up.
thanks again