How to manage this situation?

[Goldylion]

I’ve recently started a new job. It’s in an area that I have worked in for years, so I know my stuff. My issue is that my 1 of my direct reports who is well established in the team is trying to exclude & undermine me at every opportunity. They keep telling me I should WFH & are going out of their way to try & prove how great, popular & experienced they are. Im exhausted watching it, I'm embarrassed for them, but it’s also making me dread going in.
I believe in a direct, no nonsense approach so was thinking of having a quiet word saying I sense some resistance.
what do others think, how should I go about this?

Do you have any objectives related to behaviours? You could bring this up in that context. Do you think the person would change?

Personally I wouldn’t go for the “sense some resistance” chat

i would just check in to see how they’re doing

do you have regular 121s with your DRs? Did you have any since you joined ?

You could either kill with kindness but with a good cop/bad copy approach. Recognise their contribution but call out the behaviour.

'WFH? why would I want to do that when I can get the opportunity to work more closely with you all'.'

Also 'Yes I can see you are fabulous at your job, aren't I lucky to have you on my team'.

When they try to exclude you ask them what they are hoping to achieve by doing that.

Not to drip feed, but I didn’t wanted to be too outing. I trained this person some years ago, so know them fairly well & was not expecting this behaviour. I kind of wonder if they are also trying to impress me with how far they have come. We do have our first 1-2-1 soon & I am going to address it.

I’d take it easy, it’s a change for them so needs to be tackled gently

you re in a management role so you need to earn their trust; the 121 is an opportunity for you to listen to them not to tell them off

start building the relationship

good luck

You are the manager so di what yiu want to do....don't let them undermine you. Dont pay them any attention.