If a coworker talks or test about another is that deformation of character
I'm a new store manager to a company I start here about a month ago. And I recently found out that one of the associates is texting the manager that was there before me. this associate texts my everymove to this person and talks about me. Now I'm trying to prove myself to my boss but if they talk bad about me who knows what they tell my boss
1 answer | asked Dec 5, 2016 10:18 AM [EST] | applies to New York
Answers (1)
Defamation or destruction of character can be in writing (called libel) or verbal (called slander).
Truth is a defense and if there is no publication (to a 3rd party) there can be no damages. If your former manager still works for the same company then publication probably does not exist.
Is the employee being insubordinate to you (not following your instructions)? Are you permitted to discipline the employee for things like stealing company time (texting while at work or not during a break or lunch time might be a violation of company policy). Read and understand all of your company's policies and apply them equally to every employee that you supervise. If texting is not permitted except during breaks or lunches then enforce the policy for everyone.
Maybe this employee should be on a performance improvement plan?
You should check with human resources first and ask them for suggestions on how you should handle the situation. If this is the employee doing this they may not be employed for much longer.
Of course if the employee is covered by a union then you have a separate set of rules (collective bargaining agreement) that you must follow.
Good luck and follow human resources' suggestions. And most importantly you need to learn all of your company policies and procedures - the employee handbook or rules and regulations - and follow them yourself as well or you could be looking for a new job yourself.
Ask human resources for training programs or videos or webinars that you can take as a manager. They should help you unless you have no HR department which is a totally different problem.
posted by V Jonas Urba | Dec 5, 2016 11:03 AM [EST]
Truth is a defense and if there is no publication (to a 3rd party) there can be no damages. If your former manager still works for the same company then publication probably does not exist.
Is the employee being insubordinate to you (not following your instructions)? Are you permitted to discipline the employee for things like stealing company time (texting while at work or not during a break or lunch time might be a violation of company policy). Read and understand all of your company's policies and apply them equally to every employee that you supervise. If texting is not permitted except during breaks or lunches then enforce the policy for everyone.
Maybe this employee should be on a performance improvement plan?
You should check with human resources first and ask them for suggestions on how you should handle the situation. If this is the employee doing this they may not be employed for much longer.
Of course if the employee is covered by a union then you have a separate set of rules (collective bargaining agreement) that you must follow.
Good luck and follow human resources' suggestions. And most importantly you need to learn all of your company policies and procedures - the employee handbook or rules and regulations - and follow them yourself as well or you could be looking for a new job yourself.
Ask human resources for training programs or videos or webinars that you can take as a manager. They should help you unless you have no HR department which is a totally different problem.
posted by V Jonas Urba | Dec 5, 2016 11:03 AM [EST]
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