I feel that my subordinates are abusing my kindness. How shd I reprimand them?
@snowhybiscuis (1882)
Philippines
June 6, 2011 12:00am CST
Three of my trusted employees seems to abuse my kindness with regards to attendance. Both did not appeared on time last Saturday during their duty without informing me. They fail to inform me ahead of the time which is the office policy. This reflects on me and I don't feel that I'm a reliable manager if they are like this. They can't tell me or ask me ahead of time. It is either they know that they are abusing me or that they fear that I will not approve it.
What is the best way to reprimand them or discipline them? If this keeps on going, I would likely resign because they are the gauge of my performance.
5 responses
@greenfeathers (1206)
• United States
6 Jun 11
Initialize your own policy. Tell them that on first offense they will receive a warning. Offenses thereafter will result in docking their time..like 60 minutes dock for every time they're late without proper excuse. Perhaps add a three strikes you're out policy like three times unexcused late results in heavier time dock or suspension for a day. If they're still dull enough to continue being late thereafter then fire them. I've been in management so I know how it goes sometimes.
Such an action on your part should keep things organized proper..And should it continue to where you need to terminate a 'trusted' employee then the rest will see that you are truly serious about your position and you will do what's necessary to protect it and your income...Enjoy!
@greenfeathers (1206)
• United States
6 Jun 11
I agree, but that extent of a threat needs be in place. It should be enough that you put the rest in play and follow thru on it to give the indication that needs be you would terminate if necessary tho you have no intentions of doing so. Its kind of a psyke game, just like they're playing on you when they take advantage knowing nothing ill will come of it. You need to change the tempo of the dance to retake the lead rather than allowing them to lead you around..Enjoy!
@snowhybiscuis (1882)
• Philippines
11 Jun 11
Thanks for the advise greenfeathers. I will keep that in mind.
Have a nice day.
@snowhybiscuis (1882)
• Philippines
6 Jun 11
I hope that I can still reprimand them and that they would change. Maybe, it is just a reminder that they need. I am still hoping that it would not reach that stage wherein we would have to terminate anyone of them.
Thanks for your comment.
@snowhybiscuis (1882)
• Philippines
6 Jun 11
The Saturdays are part of the working week. Even though they don't want to work on Saturdays, they have no choice. It is part of the agreement that they've accepted. It is really difficult to be part of the management. But if you want to get higher salary, you have to accept the promotion.
The good thing about management is that you too grow with the experiences.
Thanks for responding. Have a nice day.
@CandyRayne (458)
• United States
6 Jun 11
as a manager it is your job to make sure your employees know who is the boss, and just how far your kindness goes. When you feel that they are pushing you too far. You need to bring this to their attention. Try setting them down one by one, and talking to them about how you feel they are abusing you, by the way they come in tardy. They need to know who the boss is, and that they need to be more responcible, and if they can not honor that, then they either need to move on, so you can find the right person that will respect you, or they need to start communicating with you more, if they have a reason for coming in late.
It is not fair to you, nor should you resign, because of someone under you. You need to just let them know that it is not up for negotiation, and the office rules will not be pushed.
Let them know that if the situation comes up again, that will resault in either being written up, or that they will be releast of their job.
@snowhybiscuis (1882)
• Philippines
11 Jun 11
Hi CandyRayne.
I agree that I have to improve in that area. I have to be more firm so I can command their respect. The problem right now is that they don't see my point. I would have to talk to them and call their attention. They don't see where I'm coming from and so I have to let them know it.
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice day!
@way2vision (613)
• Canada
7 Jun 11
As the leader, you must always represent yourself as the leader. Though it is very important to respect your subordinates, it is more important that they show respect for you. I suggest that you tell them directly of your issue. It is very likely that they will respect your viewpoint and concern as now you have addressed the issue, and them directly about the issue. They will definitely be more cautious of their actions. You must also keep in mind, that it is your career at stake, not theirs, therefore you must make a stand on the situation.
@snowhybiscuis (1882)
• Philippines
11 Jun 11
Thanks for the suggestion. I will surely do that. If I have to be more strict in the implementation of the policy, they I will do so. This is part of the job that I have. If I will not be able to cope with this situation, then I would fail myself. My error though is that I told her that she's weak, in the sense of confidence. I want her to develop her confidence. But as it turned out, she fails to see my point. I would have to be careful now. Instead of being direct, I guess I have to be diplomatic in my way of dealing with them.
Thanks for sharing.
@RobertoRamos (101)
•
14 Dec 11
Well, you should take off the day from their salary, and give a warning, if with more 2 of that or something, they get fired, with no letter of recomendation, i think they would be more afraid of losing their jobs, than losing your trust :D
@snowhybiscuis (1882)
• Philippines
15 Dec 11
I did that already. But somehow, that did not deterred them. I don't want to recourse with firing them because they have families. But if they continue to do it, they would end up being fired because policy is policy.
Thanks for commenting. 
