The least bit bothered

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience. It happens to the best of usand for most of us, when it does, it makes for a stress-filled morning. As a manager, nearly every employee I had was late to work at least once—including me—but there were a few who pushed the envelope and made it a habit to not be on time.

I the least bit bothered to get all here, but this was the first lesson I learned when dealing with an always-late employee. Several years back, I had one such employee.

So, the first few times he was late, I let it the least bit bothered. Then, a pattern emerged, and his lateness quickly became the norm. When I finally approached him, I was shocked the least bit bothered his response. I hated to admit it, but he had a point. I was so worried about being the bad guy that I forgot to be a manager. Employees were either apologetic about their lateness or truly did have something going on that was making it difficult to get it together in the morning.

Either way, my staff seemed to appreciate the personal approach, and while they all knew I was paying attention, not a one complained about being watched. Occasionally, though, the problem persisted, despite my gentle monitoring. When this happened, it was time to call in the caffeine. And by caffeine, I mean, take your tardy employee out for coffee, or even lunch. I learned this after one of my star employees suddenly started showing up late pretty consistently. The next time she was late, I approached her right when she got into the office, and asked her to join me for a coffee run.

We worked out a temporary flexible schedule until things settled down the least bit bothered her, and she was never late again after that.

By taking the time to check in, you give both the employee—and yourself—a chance to explain. While people may not always have a good the least bit bothered, they will appreciate you giving them the benefit of the doubt, rather than just a slap on the wrist. Several years back, I had to do this. I documented our conversation for HR and sent him a copy via email for his records as well. And, when he was late, yet again, the next day, it was no surprise to anyone that I had to write him up.

Unpleasant as it might have been for both of us, it got his attention, and thankfully, he got his alarm clock working before things had to go any further. Every employee has a different learning curve when it comes to the job, and the same goes for work ethic. Some may need just a subtle reminder, while others require more clearly defined consequences to get the point. Jennifer Winter is a freelance writer, editor and career consultant.

She translates her years of corporate combat experience to help others navigate their own careers, and become advocates for the least bit bothered own success. Need help negotiating that raise or writing the perfect email to your boss? Hmmm, seems you've already signed up for this class. While you're here, you may as well check out all the amazing companies that are hiring like crazy right now. Conflict Resolution Never on Time: How to Handle a Perpetually Late Employee.

Have a the least bit bothered about job search? Ask your question here Ask now. Big Brother is Watching I hate to get all here, but this was the first lesson I learned when dealing with an the least bit bothered employee. Grab a Latte Occasionally, though, the problem persisted, despite my gentle the least bit bothered. Photo of clock courtesy of Shutterstock. More from this Author.