Dealing With Disrespect
Disrespectful employees can damage morale and make everyone’s jobs harder. When you have an employee that doesn’t respect you, it’s time to take action. Inc. Magazine offers some excellent ideas on managing problem employees. Their tips can help you to practice RespectfulDo #6, “Nip Disrespect in the Bud, Respectfully.”
Keep it positive. Stay calm, collected, and professional. Schedule a private meeting instead of yelling at them in front of other employees. Allow them to express concerns and opinions. Employees respond positively when they believe their opinions matter to the company.
Document expectations. All employees should be presented with clearly outlined job expectations when they are hired, and it can be helpful to review them periodically. Having written expectations guards against communication issues and can be helpful if you need to discipline the employee.
Accept blame. Blame is often shared. Make sure you aren’t part of the problem, and address the issue if you are. Use the opportunity to become a better leader.
Draw the line. If the employee continues to be disrespectful, have a more serious talk with them. You can bring up specific times they behaved disrespectfully and let them know that although you’re available to discuss the problem, you expect them to behave respectfully.
Discipline insubordination. If they still haven’t gotten the message, initiate disciplinary action. Use the expectations you documented to point out discrepancies between their behavior and your expectations. Let them know they will face consequences in the future. If it’s necessary, let them go.
Read the full article for more tips.
