New member of staff seems overly assertive- espesh in reply to my email

[Liz1tummypain]

So this new person should be capable of the job. Started in July. She's from a slightly different background but that shouldn't be an issue. I'm her manager. We both work 3 days/ week and on Mondays we agree what work she will do on the day she works when I'm not in.

Today is a classic example. I logged on from home early to check emails etc and emailed to ask her to prioritise something, having seen where one of our colleagues' work has got to. Nothing major. Would take approx half an hour, no more. The reply I've just seen is along the lines of my email was "too cryptic for her" . Yes, cryptic. What would you do? I'm not confident that she uses her time well when nobody is supervising her. Various clues I've picked up on. I quite like my work pattern but would certainly consider changing it so our 3 days coincide but that shouldn't be necessary. Just seeking people's reactions. Thanks in advance

I also don’t see the issue.

My boss is also ‘cryptic’. Now I just ask him to call me to talk things through if I don’t understand.

If you have talked through the work she needs to complete this week and you aren’t meant to be working today, there’s no problem yet. she hasn’t not done it. Not sure why you logged on to tell her to do something, that should have been discussed on Monday. If it wasn’t discussed on Monday, it’s not on her list to do and she was right to push back if she doesn’t have time.

I don’t think she sounds to assertive at all. I think she sounds like she is just telling you what she thinks and that she doesn’t understand. Which is the right thing to do.

That should say “can’t understand”!

Sounds like you need to amend your communication style.

So she's told you she doesn't understand what you mean, and in response you're not telling her what you mean? And she's the problem?.... mmmmm

Are you her boss?

It sounds like she doesnt understand your communication.

I think the answer to this is in the OP itself. (3, 3, 7)

And are you logging on to tell her what to do on your day off? I'm not entirely clear what is happening here.

I imagine this is just one example OP, and I can see why it's an issue if you're not always in on the same days. It's now nearly 3pm and presumably you wanted her to do this at 9am. Would it help if you asked her in future to call you if anything's unclear about what to do if it's a non-work day?

I was just typing a response about working for someone who'd say 'you might want to start thinking about X' too. 'Might want to think about' meant 'sort the situation out right now.'

She seems to be asking for clarification.

It's your job as her manager to ensure she understands what's expected of her and that she has the tools experience and training to do so.

You and she aren't communicating well. Regardless of who is to blame for this, it's your job to put it right.

Be clearer.

If she doesn’t understand, it’s a rude way of asking for clarification.

Yes perhaps I am micro-managing. That is a possibility. I'll take that on board. I know we've always managed to get all the work done in the deadlines. Just we have more pressures, systems upgrades etc and I'm trying to get the bread- and-butter work done early. I will take all these comments on board.

Bramshott- that is a flipping good point! I think you've come up with a grand idea there. I'm going to adopt this :)

Is today your working day? If not why are you logging in and emailing? Do you only coincide on Mondays.

Yes don't be logging in on your NWD

Or ‘you what?’ 😁

If this is a NWD you are being a micro-manager and I would probably respond in a similar way (or possibly not respond at all if you are on a day off).

OP your post is confusing. I can understand why she feels confused. You do not make things clear enough. Her saying “cryptic” is polite way of putting it.

Apologies as it hasn't been explicitly stated but are you her actual line manager?

Ignore me

That she is bold enough to blame manager that she sent cryptic message, rather than ask for clarification. Maybe a potential troublemaker.

It's really hard for any of us to give you advice if you don't give us the information we need. What did you specifically say and what did she actually respond with?

And what would be impolite way? 'I didnt understand, please provide clarification.'

You need to work at least one day the same as she does to give her direction. Make it really clear that the work you tell her to do must be prioritised & reflect that in her objectives. Then if she continues go through your usual displinary process.