My staff aren’t doing what they’re told.

Dear Aunty B,

I recently introduced a change to the way we do things and thought I had my team on board. They certainly made the right noises about seeing the logic in it. But we have got to the end of the year and the changes that were meant to have been implemented by now are nowhere to be seen.

When I asked about it they said it was on the agenda but they were frantically busy and needed to make some other changes in order to make the main changes.

But then someone told me at the Christmas party that the staff thought the changes didn’t make sense and they were “riding” it out hoping we would change our minds. I now feel really annoyed as it is not up to the staff to make those calls.

How do I address this when the staff won’t even own up to it?

MT,
Melbourne

Dear MT,

There are some people in life who practice passive resistance because they want to avoid a bust up with their boss. Others think they know better than you do and will try and wait it out hoping you will be distracted, change your mind or the plan will just go away. They are then often very sullen when dragged over the line and made to come to heel. And of course, it is always hard to deal with a hard working, loyal employee who has loads of reasons why they can’t get to a job.

Here is what you need to do. First, have a rethink about what you are doing. Is it really the right thing to do? Is there anything in the resistance by staff? Can they see something you can’t? Because you are going to need to be very firm and committed and sure that what you are doing has sound reasons.

Once you are sure, explain the rationale to the staff for your decision – again if needs be – and tell the staff very firmly that you are annoyed the changes keep being pushed to the back of the agenda. Pinpoint the people who are the most resistant and set out a schedule that they need to adhere to. Check that the staff have the skills and confidence to work through the challenge and feel supported along the way.

Also check that they are comfortable with the end result. Some people just hate change and feel anxious about a different future so it is worthwhile with those people to take them on the journey and show them what things will look like after the changes are implemented.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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