Dealing with loud and obnoxious subordinate

[theressomethingaboutmarie]

Morning - I guess you can tell how much this is bothering me given how early I'm posting about it on a Saturday! I manage a team of 5 people. Two of them are former agency recruiters and one of those recruiters is getting a little too big for his boots. By my nature, I'm an easy-going boss, I encourage discussion and give praise when due.

Everytime a senior person comes into my team office and talks to me, this recruiter butts into the conversation - loudly and reiterates what I'm saying to the senior person. Also, when I'm speaking with the junior recruiter (answering his question say), the senior recruiter has to put his ten pence worth in.

My authority is being challenged on a daily basis by this guy. I'm very much a woman in a man's world and have worked hard in the company for the past four years to get where I am. How do I handle this guy and get him to keep himself to himself?

Treat him as you would someone else's rude child.

Firmly say "Could you wait until I finished with out interrupting please."

Agree. Be direct. Polite and professional, but firm.

"I noticed that you interrupted when XXX came into the office. Please don't do that"

I agree.

"X, I haven't finished speaking." Said in an utterly neutral but firm voice.

Um, if he reports to you, you need to deal with the problem in exactly the same way you'd deal with any direct report who is doing something you'd rather they didn't, or not doing something you'd rather they did.

Sounds as though perhaps you are too much of an easy-going boss if this guy feels it's ok to do this, so firming up might be the best option. Some team members just need a different approach and easy-going doesn't seem to be doing the trick with this guy.

Sit down with him at your next one-to-one, explain what he's doing that you are concerned about, give him some examples so he's clear what you are talking about, and ask him to desist.

Thanks for the tips. I spoke with him this morning (his probation is due to end soon so it was a good opportunity to discuss this). I said that if someone comes into the office and wants to speak with me, then they speak with me. If I need his input, I will ask.

flowerybeanbag is right, I have been too easy going. He recognised the issue, apologised profusely and committed to changing his behaviour.

I think I, unwittingly, scared him. I really didn't mean too but was evidently cross (he hadn't seen me cross before!).