No matter how well you run your shipyard, there may come a time when an employee challenges your authority or otherwise becomes a problem. But what can you actually do in this situation? There are a few things that can help resolve the issue before things become complicated. Here are some tips to help you handle a problem employee in your shipyard.
Check out the situation.
It can be easy to simply respond to complaints right when they happen, but it’s also essential that you take a step back and observe the employee’s behavior before deciding how to approach the situation. Why? Because the problem might be more complex thank you can determine in a single moment.
Set up a plan.
Once you have an idea of what you’re dealing with, you can create a plan to approach the employee. The particular problem may have any number of potential solutions such as training, coaching, counseling, or discipline, but you can’t know what until you’ve seen what’s happening.
Focus on their behavior.
When you do approach your employee to discuss the problem, be sure to keep the conversation professional. Never make it personal. This employee is already predisposed to be defensive, so make sure you’re not accusing them or insulting them. Focus entirely on their behavior.
Work together to create a solution.
The best thing to solve this problem is to work with the employee to develop a solution. This will depend entirely on what is the underlying cause. If they are bored in their position, find a way to channel their energy in another way. If they don’t get along with other employees, see if there is a better fit for them in another area.
Know when to say when.
Of course, as a manager, the will be problems you’re not qualified to fix on your own. Know when to refer the employee to a trained professional to get the additional help you’re unable to provide. And while the ultimate goal is to preserve the employee and determine a solution, there may also be occasions where the best choice is to terminate their position.
Work with a leader in shipyard staffing.
Do you want to know more about how to handle a problem employee? Contact the team at Hutco to see how we can help today.
