TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: New Manager Needs Help! From:Walter Hanig <wdh -at- NETMANAGE -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 29 Jan 1998 09:11:48 -0800
At 08:18 AM 1/29/98 -0500, JGREY wrote:
>
>This will get uglier unless you immediately set behavioral expectations
>for her, communicate them clearly, and begin enforcing them. I would
>begin with a private meeting with her. Tell her what you've been
>noticing in her behavior. Tell her what you expect in her behavior
>(framing it as appropriate behavior between an employee and her
>manager). Should she pull one of these games again, *immediately* take
>her into a private office and explain to her that continued behavior
>will result in disciplinary action. Document your meetings; send her
>follow-up memos recording what you spoke about and keep a copy for your
>files.
>
I'd add one more suggestion. Let YOUR boss know what's going on. He or she selected you for the position and has a stake in your success and may be able to offer some advice. (First, tell him/her your plans and then ask for his/her opinion.) Also, you want to preempt the subordinate going around you to higher management.
Walter
Walter Hanig
NetManage, Inc.
12651 High Bluff Drive
San Diego, CA 92130, USA
