Undermining Staff

by Tess
(NJ)

<p><b>What should I do when an employee does not want to follow the rules?</b></p>

What should I do when an employee does not want to follow the rules?

I manage a small office and have an employee that likes to "get her way" whenever possible. For instance, we have a casual dress code but wearing jeans is not permitted.
I have led by example but when my boss came on his monthly visit, he got into casual conversation(which happens often)with the staff. They expressed their desire to wear jeans to work on a daily basis and he complied. He stated that he doesn't care what the staff wears since we rarely see the public. This person is no longer my boss but has set the new standard in the office which is against policy.
The employee now goes to my boss for other things in the office that she wants changed because she has seen her tactics of undermining works.
I brought the situation to higher management and they assure me that it will not be encouraged any longer. How do I get someone to stop going over my head when the level of management above me encourages communication between themselves and my entry level staff?

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Undermining Staff

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Undermining Staff
by: Tess

Ann
Thank you for the advice. I see the advantage in what you are suggesting; it is very difficult because this person is so emotional and medicated. In this situation I'm not sure if it is wise to try to get more personal with her. I would rather not since she is very emotional and very critical of me.
I plan on having more face time with my supervisor and he he has been in the office more lately. Things are heating up and of course coming down on me as the supervisor. I am having a difficult time with this. I have been outlining a plan on how to motivate my staff but with all the nonsense it just seems like a failure before I even begin. I'm trying to stay positive but want to just get the work that needs to get done on a daily basis and forget about trying to make a difference, with the staff I have now, nothing seems to make them happy and they like to over criticize my actions and make their opinions know to my supervisor. Not sure what to do?
Thanks for your website

Hi Tess
I think you are doing the right thing by spending more time with your manager. If he understands the position you are in, he can do more to help, especially when he is talking to your team.

I also think you need to go with your gut feeling - if you feel you need to concentrate on the day to day tasks - then be confident about that. Your team will respect you more when you are focused and believe in what you are doing.

I remember a very capable supervisor I once worked with. He was highly respected, and he told me that he followed the 3 Fs rule - Fair, Firm and Friendly.

It takes a lot of courage to cope with the position you are in. Being a supervisor can be a lonely place at the best of times. Can you join a local networking group of your peers to get some advice/support?

I hope that helps. Can anyone else make any suggestions?

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