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Insubordination Insults Feedback

I was walking down the hall ahead of a few of my employees, and when I turned around, I saw one problem employee mimicking me in a very derogatory way. I made an instant decision to avoid a confrontation with her, so I ignored it. I'm fuming over what happened and unsure if I did the right thing.



Wondering whether you did the right thing is not the right thing to do. The fact is that, for better or worse, you let her behavior slide. Rather than wondering about the past, it is time to think about the future.

With the passage of time, problem employees should either become solid employees or former employees. In the broadest sense, this type of employee should be given specific guidance, feedback, and counseling, along with a clear understanding of the consequences associated with behaviors that run counter to the organization.

While imitation may be the highest form of flattery, mimicking may just as easily be the highest form of insult. As a result, if you ever seeing her engaging in this type of behavior again, or in any behavior that is designed to degrade, mock, or ridicule you, the next step is to immediately meet with her, discuss the behavior, and document it. If she continues to act out against you, she may soon be taking her act on the road.



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