Employee woes

[Bloodless]

I thought I would ask for help as I know so many ladies here are successful managers and leaders.

So I have a very small business, I employ 1 member of staff full time and I have others in helping as I need them. My main job is an artistic / creative role plus I do all the admin of the business. Unfortunately I’m not leader or manager material at all, I’m too easy going & don’t like being authoritarian (not the right word, I’m struggling for the right word).

I realise the trouble is probably me, but my full time member of staff is so uninterested in work, Unengaged, lazy & careless got. She wasn’t always like that though. It’s not hard work and I try to delegate exciting work to her to try and spark something. I have sent her on many training courses and have given her so many opportunities. She is well paid and well looked after - she will often say that I am the best boss she’s ever had and I know she’s stayed with me almost treble the amount of time of any other place she’s work at. So I can’t be that bad.

A lot of people would be so happy to work in my line of work, it’s not emotionally or physically tasking work. I’ll tell her to do something and she’ll forget and just sit playing on her phone or she’ll only do it half.

AIBU to ask for help and tips on managing?

This sounds like me!

I had to (I say had - I sacked them) take the employee to Starbucks regularly and get them excited about the job again. It was draining.

Sorry I don’t have any advice. I decided getting rid was the way to go and I’m much happier now.

It sounds like she's well and truly taking the piss. Is there or has there ever been any form of performance evaluation? Maybe you could set up a meeting with her where you can set out the things that aren't working from your perspective and see what she has to say about it. At the end of the day, you're not her friend, you're her boss and whilst she has it cushty at the moment, if she's not going to play ball then she needs to go so you can find somebody who is actually going to do the job they're paid to do (If you're in the East Midlands, I'm currently looking )

I'd have to have a honest conversation with her, mention that you've noticed she doesnt seem as interested in her work and that shes not completing the jobs/tasks that your asking her to do, you can talk about the courses that youve sent her on and see what her reaction is.....hopefully she will open up about whats wrong - Maybe shes just stuck in a rut.....i know I've felt like that before but when my boss talked to me about it i knew i was slacking off!.....and if she really doesnt care anymore then you know you'll need to start somekind of performance management

She's taking the piss. Of course you're the best boss she's ever had.

Did she have objectives? If not, perhaps you should set them with her. Be open and say you've noticed she isn't as focussed and give her the chance to explain, in case there's something going on. Then tell her what she needs to do to improve.

Tell her what you want her to do.
Tell her when it must be done by.
Review her progress midway.
Tell her whether she is on target or if she needs to improve.
Challenge her each and every time she is on her phone etc.

Have a conversation with her to ask if she is alright. You’d be surprised what’s going on with people, when you look them in the eye and ask them.

Then set concrete tasks and milestones for her to meet. Be very clear on quality standards and timelines.

Give it three- six months if it’s not working - it is ok to end the relationship.