I'm a manager of a small team. Management style has always been with a light touch and encouraging the staff. I'd like to think they are happy at work and can approach me. I think we are a good team....bar one
This one member is causing me many sleepless nights and I just don't know how to handle her.
She is currently undergoing a review by HR because of recurrent sickness (public sector, prolonged process, she is being given a lot of support and all usual public sector avenues are being explored to tackle the sickness).
She has always been difficult but I've 'managed' this non confrontationally with informal conversations. With hindsight possibly I'm just an inadequate doormat. Her behaviour has now stepped up a gear and is no longer tolerable/acceptable or manageable (for me).
Currently we are alone in an office together. I make polite conversation and she responds mostly ...unless she feels like ignoring me. I offer her a tea when I make one. She refuses and never offers me one. She is making repeated mistakes - inexplicable mistakes which I suspect are due to attitude (cba) rather than ability. I try tackling these recurrent mistakes in a variety of ways and never receive a positive response.
At her appraisal last week we had to defer it because she had not attempted the paperwork which is required pre appraisal (listing CPD activity and asking for evidence of how she is working - standard paperwork for public sector). She had been given loads and loads of time for this activity
Written down this all sounds really clear. She's being difficult in attitude, unco-operative and also failing to perform well at her role. I'm apparently failing at managing this.
I have asked for HR input. HR have privately commented to me that she has a behaviour problem and want me to tackle this (yes but how!!) Despite a plea for advice today I have heard nothing. I feel very isolated. Management structure above me is unclear (hard to explain) but I don't have anyone obvious to defer to. I'm managed by a specialist in my field with no HR experience and no intention of becoming involved.
I'm exhausted at making so much effort to try to change her behaviour. A fortnight ago I decided to change tack and was 'firm' and fairly short with her. I felt better (relief not to have to plaster a neutral face on) but atmosphere with neither of us trying was obviously going to deteriorate very fast. I do not wish to mimic her negative behaviour either. I am concerned that she is provoking me waiting for any little slip up that she can grab - fully expecting her to claim bullying so am treading warily (no witnesses)
I am considering how much longer I can cope (yet need my job) I haven't been sleeping, am questioning my own ability and wake thinking of her. Help
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Advice on whether I need a union, retraining or a hug
NorthernNobody · 16/11/2012 18:29
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