WEBVTT

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There's this guy I manage... Mitchell.

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He's always giving me problems.

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And he doesn't get things done.

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And when they are done,
he doesn't do it right.

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So, I don't want to confront the guy

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because he does not react well
to criticism or input.

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I mean, he makes a big deal
out of everything.

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So, I just give assignments
to other people.

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There's nothing wrong with that, right?

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Assigning work to other
employees to avoid a discipline issue

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is a disaster waiting to happen,

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particularly if the problem employee
retains his job title and wage rate.

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In addition to the morale problems,
you could face a lawsuit

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brought by one of the other employees

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for unfair or discriminatory
employment practices.

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To be honest, assigning work to other
employees is just one of many ways

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I've seen managers try to avoid
addressing a discipline issue.

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Some managers try the
"pass the buck" approach.

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For example, Manager A works to
transfer an employee to another department,

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without informing Manager B of the
employee's discipline situation.

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Or I've seen managers pass the buck
by delegating a discipline problem

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to either a subordinate or up the
ladder to his or her manager,

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which is generally not a smart career move.

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I've also seen managers
try to use the layoff excuse,

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where a manager
fabricates the need for a layoff

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in order to get rid of
an undesirable employee.

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In all of these situations,
the managers' actions

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are putting their organizations at risk
and jeopardizing their own careers.

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Although it can be uncomfortable
or even unpleasant at times,

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you have a responsibility to take
corrective or disciplinary action

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when the situation warrants it.

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If you're unsure of what action to take,
consult with your human resources area,

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legal department or senior
management for help on where to begin.