What should I do about my moody, rude employee?

Hi Aunty B,

We have an employee who drags a big black cloud around with her.

Any personal problems and she comes into work in a foul mood and takes it out on everyone, she snaps at directors and you are definitely not allowed to ask what is wrong.

It is becoming unbearable and usually ends in tears and she says we are picking on her.

It is really getting me down now and apart from letting her go I really do not know what to do.

She seems to think she has the upper hand as I do not want to do her job full-time if she left, but frankly it’s getting a better proposition than dealing with her moods.

It is a bit awkward as she was part of the family but I have only seen this side of her in the last few months and as there are only two of us in the office most days it is truly awful.

I have tried boosting her morale we have even given her a small bonus but she still treats me like dirt. Am I too soft?

Please help,
Desperate

Dear Desperate,

Let’s forget soft for a second and hop on the helicopter. Up we go and now let’s look down on your business. Oh, there you are, working so hard every day to keep your head above water, because as you know, running a business is really hard work. And who is beside you? People whom you can rely on, who are professional and who are supportive of the vision and supportive of you. And there you are, happy and focused at work, focused on the marketplace, on your sales, on your customers and on your future.

So that is what you are going to work towards because yes, your situation is utterly intolerable.

Now it also sounds like your employee doesn’t want to be there. You mention she is family and that you will have to take over her role if she leaves, which makes me think you are not paying her a lot of money.

If you are paying her, then let her go and immediately hire someone who is good for your business and you. If you are not paying her much, then some of that resentment might come from feeling used. Whatever. It is a very unhealthy situation and as you know, it has to be resolved – before Christmas so you can have a break knowing you are coming back to a new start.

First and foremost take all the emotion out of this. This is a professional issue despite the family connections, so take her through the three warnings process. Give her specific examples of her behaviour and explain in an unemotional way how it is affecting the business. Let her know she is getting a first warning and that you will follow up in two weeks with feedback on how she is progressing.

If she is disruptive through those two weeks, sit her down and tell her you are issuing her with a second warning. Make sure you clearly spell out how she can improve and the behaviour you don’t want to see. She is manipulative and knows how to press your buttons so decide what you are saying before you meet her and stick to that script, repeating it over and over again.

I am sure you are strong, determined and professional so go and do it!

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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