Interim role - should I do this?

[Wishmelucknow]

Been in my role just over a year. My boss is on long term sick (not stress). They were having all sorts of issues with one employee who took our boss to HR and I was interviewed also. Now I have been asked to step in the management position until my boss returns which could be several months. The employee seemed on board with the news but in less than a week, I’m having trouble with them. This person is not cc’ing me on escalations and keeps emailing our bosses boss when I’m supposed to be dealing with that. We will be doing this persons mid year review and let’s just say HR will be involved. HR has also started coaching me to be extra nice to this person and don’t give them a chance to find fault with me (again). Unfortunately there are not really any other options but I’m concerned I’ve been given an impossible task. This person does not accept feedback and feels they can do no wrong having been in the company 20 years. This person escalates at the drop of a hat and while they are unprofessional they stop just short of being dismissed. Hr is still watching this person but I know all hr tickets to date to have been dropped. This has been going on for years and many people have left because of this person and I am seriously thinking of looking for another job myself except there are some other fantastic team members. It could be a great place to work but one person can wreck it all.

I would first of all ensure that everyone else
is on board to support you in managing this employee. In doing so any escalation etc that persons forwards direct back to you, cc’ing the employee back in and stating this is for you as manager to manage. They will soon get the message. Speak to them clearly and firmly what is expected, when something like an escalation happens informing them that they are not to do this. Follow up in emails and writing as necessary to refer back to. Keep a log of incidents and pick up on issues as they happen. Remember to ask them what happened here, please explain your thoughts to me etc etc, try not to be judgmental and if necessary say I am going to take that on board and come back to you. You are in control and let her know it!!