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How to handle an employee doesn't do what is asked



What do you do if one of your employees is not doing what they are asked? This can be a difficult situation for any business manager or owner. In order to handle this situation effectively, it is important to understand the reasons why an employee might not be following orders. Once you have a better understanding of the problem, you can then take steps to correct the issue.


Let’s discuss some tips for dealing with an employee who does not follow instructions, as well as provide a few steps for documenting ongoing bad behavior.


Why is one bad apple bad for the whole team?

One of the biggest drawbacks of having an employee who doesn't do what they're told is that it can lead to a lack of respect from other members of the team. If someone isn't following directions, it can throw off the whole dynamic and make it harder for everyone to get their work done.


Additionally, if an employee isn't doing their part, it can reflect poorly on the company as a whole. Not only does it make it look like the company isn't able to properly manage its employees, but it can also make potential customers and clients question their relationship with your team. Do they want to do business with a company that can't even get its own employees to follow directions?


In short, having an employee who doesn't do what they're told can be a major hassle and can lead to a lot of problems down the road.

Why would an employee consistently not follow directions?

There are a number of reasons why an employee might choose not to follow directions.


In some cases, the employee may not be aware of the consequences of not following directions. In other cases, the employee may feel that the directions are not relevant to their job or that they have a better way of doing things. Additionally, the employee may be resistant to change or may simply be disruptive.


Whatever the reason, it’s important for employers to ensure that their employees understand the importance of following directions and to take disciplinary actions to correct the situation as soon as possible.

How can you deal with an employee who doesn’t do what is asked?

As a manager, you may occasionally have to deal with an employee who doesn't seem to be doing what is asked of them. This can be frustrating, but there are some things you can do to try to improve the situation.


First, make sure that you are giving clear and concise instructions. If the employee is unsure of what is expected of them, they may be less likely to do the task.


Second, try to provide some context for the task. Explain why it is important, and how it fits into the larger picture. This can help to motivate the employee and give them a better understanding of why their work matters.


Finally, be willing to offer support and assistance. Sometimes all an employee needs is a little help getting started, and once they see that they are capable of completing the task, they will be more likely to do so in the future.


By following these tips, you should be able to improve the situation with an employee who isn't doing what is asked of them.

How should you discipline an employee who doesn’t do what is asked?

As a manager, you may occasionally find yourself in the position of having to discipline an employee who doesn't do what they're told. This can be a tricky situation, as you don't want to overstep your authority or be too lenient. However, there are some guidelines you can follow to ensure that you handle the situation appropriately.


While your specific actions will likely differ based on the individual situation, here are 3 easy steps to follow:

  • Know your policies: It's important to have a clear understanding of the company's disciplinary policy. This will help you to know what actions are considered acceptable and what consequences should be imposed.

  • Provide feedback: Once you are fully aware of company policies, sit down with the employee in question and explain why their behavior is not meeting expectations. Be specific and give them concrete examples of what they need to change.

  • Create an action plan: Afterwards, agree on a plan for moving forward. You’ll also want to make sure to have future check-ins, so everyone can make sure that progress is being made.

Tips for documenting ongoing bad behavior

While no one likes to deal with difficult employees, documented proof of poor behavior is essential if you ever need to take the situation to another level. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to document employee misconduct.

  • Document individual incidents: Keep meticulous records of any incidents in which an employee exhibits poor behavior. This includes write-ups from supervisors, eyewitness accounts, and anything else that can help to paint a clear picture of the situation.

  • Document feedback sessions: Be sure to document any attempts you made to address the issue with the employee in question. This might include counseling sessions, written warnings, and so on.

  • Keep track of the overall impact that the employee's behavior is having on the workplace. If morale is suffering or productivity is down, be sure to make note of it.

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