Hi Everyone. I recently (about 5 months ago) got a position as an Area Manger for a company. In this position I manager 9 locations that are spread over 200 miles. I feel I do a very good job in this position. Many people higher up have told me how impressed they are with my performance. This job does not offer much training. Im just out there on my own trying to learn things as I go. But, some of my employees are disrespectful at times. They make snide remarks. For instance, this morning I called concerning urgent news that affected my locations. During the discussion, I asked "so are you closed today due to the weather?" Her remark was, "Well dont you watch the news?" At that moment I wanted to just say, "actually yes, but why dont you asnwer the ing question." Of course I handeled myself professionally. This is only 1 of several times that she has made snid remarks to me.

I know I'm new at my position. I certainly do not know everything. I always praise my emplyees and include them in decisions since I feel they know there locations better than I do. Could this be the reason they seem to feel it's OK to be rude. What can I do when snide remarks like that are made? PLEASE HELP!

Write them up and if it continues, fire them.

Unfortunately you can't write a person up or fire them for a bad attitude unless it effects their work. She is a great employee, just doesn't have any respect for me. Unfortunately, there are a couple of them like that. I think because I am so young they feel like I don't deserve my position.

Are they contracted or are they employee-at-will? Why can't you fire them? If that is company policy, your company should have a means to deal with difficult employees.

I don't know you and I am not judging, but its possible she doesn't have any respect for you because you Won't write her up or fire her.

I work for a small company and we absolutely do not fire anyone unless it is for cause and that means they cannot receive unemployment benefits which ends up costing the company more if we have a bad fire.

You can fire for theft, absenteeism and insubordination. Being rude doesn't count - they have to refuse to do a particular task.

If you are new, I would presume that the employee is trying to push you around to look like a big shot with their co-workers. I would have responded to the question about the weather in one of these ways:

"If I knew the answer, I wouldn't be asking you."

Or

"If you are incapable of answering the question I'm sure I can find someone to take over your position."

You don't have to be rude, but you need to be direct and show that you are in charge.

Is answering the phones part of this person's job description? What if she treated others that called the same way that she treated you? You should talk to her about this at least. Phone etiquette in most places is important, especially if customers call.

I think you could make a case for several of these snide remarks to count as insubordination and write them up for it... I'm no manager though.

It's more about projecting confidence, make a remark along the lines of "Actually no I didnt check the weather today in every location I manage, I expect my employees to keep me informed about these things" in response to the snide question back from your employee in the first message.

This is completely an example but don't brush off these remarks without standing up for yourself and reminding them who you are (their boss).

You do not allow snide remarks, in private you tell them that you expect answers to your questions, not remarks, make a note that you had a counseling session with them.

You are The New Kid on the Block and have become the manager of longer-time employees. That's hard on them as much as it seems to be hard on you. If the employee has a good reputation and is a good worker, do your best to be forgiving over snide remarks. Respond with humor and grace. You'll end up with another admirer.

Thanks to all of you for assistance in this manner.