Discipline & Termination

Stop those feuding workers

October 24, 2014
It happens in every workplace: Two employees have a classic personality conflict and bicker constantly. Due to the nature of their jobs, they must interact with each other. What’s the best way to stop their petty squabbling?

The art of the exit interview

September 30, 2014

Knowing why employees leave is crucial to finding the cause for turnover. And exit interviews can be a great tool to obtain that feedback. However, take care to minimize legal liability during those meetings.

4 tips to effectively enforce the rules

September 29, 2014
Managers who can put appropriate rules in place and see that they are followed create an important edge for themselves and their teams. Here are some ideas and techniques for providing firm, fair leadership.

4 lousy excuses for not firing a poor performer

September 10, 2014

Somewhere along the line, you will encounter poor-performing employees who whine, assign blame, watch the clock or drag down morale. Why, then, might you hesitate to fire such people? Here are four lousy excuses for not imposing proper discipline.

Oh no! B.O.! What to do

August 20, 2014
For many managers, hosting a termination meeting may be easier than having to tell an employee that he or she has offensive body odor. But a surprising number of managers are forced into such discussions.

Is there such a thing as ‘constructive demotion’?

August 12, 2014
Q. Do employees who feel compelled to ask for a lower position rather than quit have a legal leg to stand on in court? — Paul, Ohio

You can tackle tardiness

July 1, 2014
Employees who are chronically tardy can cause just as many problems as employees who don’t show up at all. Use the following tips to solve the problem.

Difficult employee? Time for ‘the chat’

June 27, 2014
Being an effective manager means confronting those “challenging” employees who, while typically good at their jobs, too often display unprofessional or downright obnoxious behavior. The best way to tackle such problems is to meet with employees right when you spot the problem behavior. When you sit down with the employee, describe the behaviors and tell the employee firmly that those behaviors must stop, using the D-I-S method.

The art of giving negative feedback

May 5, 2014
Negative feedback requires a manager to motivate, counsel and criticize in a way that alerts employees to where the problems lie and what must be done to solve them. Fortunately, it’s a skill that can be learned. Follow this seven-step method whenever giving negative feedback.

How to have that ‘difficult chat’

April 28, 2014
Talking to employees about performance problems, attendance issues, or an upcoming layoff can be awkward. Take these steps to make those conversations easier for you—and your employees.