To tell new starter to be quiet?

[notetakerforlife]

Managing a team and have a new starter that keeps asking questions - and chiming in to other people's conversations thinking she's been helpful but it's just annoying.

They've not been here very long so I don't want to say the wrong thing and then they feel they can't ask questions and get something wrong but the things they ask are always just not that important - like finicky stuff that really isn't going to mean the world ends.

Would it be bad to say not to ask questions unless necessary? I really don't know how to approach it as they're new.

Or do I just Suck it up?

I train these people the same way I did my young children. "How do you think that might work?" "Why do you think that is?" "Do you have an idea?"

I wouldn't ask anyone to stop asking or contributing, but I do expect them to have made some effort to find the answer beforehand.

@WinnieFosterReads not sure what the time of day has to do with anything, also not sure what asking opinions means bitching - if the case why the hell does any parent post about problems they're having with their kids on this site - does that make them bad parents? Don't be ridiculous

It depends. How new is this new starter? Day 2, week 2 or month 2?
when you have new staff you gave to expect to be less productive for a period until the new starter is inducted and learns and becomes confident and competent in their role.

You need to look up some feedback models. This isn't me saying you're a shit manager, but it's obviously an area you don't know quite how to address. Finding a model that suits your management style and the situation won't be hard.

If this was someone on my team; I would sit them down and (using your chosen feedback style, to suit the feedback and the audience), explain what is happening and the impact of the constant interruptions. Advise them that you do expect a higher level of initiative, ask them if they need anything to support, e.g. a list of contact numbers etc. Set a date to review, and stick to it.

You're not being used as a punchbag FFS. Unless there's a mahoosive drip feed coming....

She's new, she's nervous, she's annoying, she's trying to learn everything. She's not being abusive, she's not saying you're a cunt or Sue smells or Rachel's a bitch. She just talks. A lot.

@Unloved21 month 2

@Hoplesscynic thank you I do see what you're saying and I agree

The time of posting is relevant because it's always when gfs post on here with an obnoxious attitude and posts every few minutes.

It’s true, you don’t sound suited to line management, and actually quite aggressive.
if you can’t tolerate questions from a new starter or manage the situation then You don’t sound like you have the patience for it.

TBH it sounds like they’re just being thorough and actually sounds like they’re quite switched on.

If it’s relevant to you, answer the question.

If it’s IT or something else then simply tell them to contact whoever it is that’ll help them.

They can't even tolerate questions or difference of opinions from strangers on the internet

I don’t think anyone is saying you should be a punch bag but as a manager, it’s your job to manage challenging employees. You’re lucky this is your first if you’ve managed 50 other people before now.

if you’re particularly busy, let your team know that you’ll be on “do not disturb” until x time and you’ll address any issues then, even if you’re sitting next to them. It’s about establishing boundaries. It’s important to not be immediately available at all times. With the IT thing, send them an email with the contact details explaining that this is who to contact with any IT queries going forward. If they persist, tell them to refer to your email. If they’re making inane comments all day then just keep your head down and continue working and they’ll soon take the hint. It might feel mean but it’s necessary.

I think are suggesting you're a poor or new manager because the way to deal with this is fairly obvious, and an experienced manager will have come across this sort of thing before.

@WinnieFosterReads maybe you're right I'm just not cut out for it, well I'm doing it now so it's too late!

@titchy not saying I've never had it but not this badly before!!!

Just go to your line manager and tell them you don’t feel comfortable managing them. Not everyone is a manager of people and it’s much better to address that head on rather than the inevitable fall out.

@Withnailandeye not an option

Is she asking the same questions that you've already answered, or is she, for example, asking to clarify something you think was clear but in fact could be interpreted ambiguously?

Suck it up! For goodness sake as a manager you should not be discouraging people from asking questions. I take it you haven’t been a manager very long if you think a fear of asking questions is something you need to install. ffs.

I would go along the lines of @picklemewalnuts , and I don't think that it's rude at all.

"Okay, so this is the task, and here are links to resources, manual and FAQs. Have a go at it without me until lunchtime, make a note of any questions and then at 1pm I will check in with you and go through them. I'm going to be focussing on [other task] all morning. If you get stuck, don't worry, just get as far as you can."

I’ve got a friend like that. She doesn’t stop talking, asking questions, dominating the conversation. Actually I met her through another friend, became closer friends with her, but have distanced myself as she’s exhausting!!

As a manager, I think I’d have a catch up and say that you’ve had a think about her induction plans and think it would be a good idea to set aside 15 mins at the start and end of each day to run through any questions she has. Then when she interrupts during the day, say “can we pick that up during our catch up at 4 please, I just need to get on, pushed for time blah”. And continue to steer her questions to the set times.

Yes, the ones who don't ask are much more dangerous!

Can you give us some examples of what she's asking OP? x

I didn't say you weren't cut out for it. I said you should flag to your manager that you're struggling because yy posters here can say how they would manage but it's highly likely that eg my managing style has no relevance to you, your new start or your industry (purely based on your interactions on here). There's a gap in your training. And a manager being that irritated by a new start could cause problems later.

Many jobs seem to have little or no induction these days. Just an expectation to get on with it and somehow learn by telepathic transference. Perhaps this is what is happening?

I think people forget what it's like to start a new job.