Part 1: Discipline
The problems that supervisors most commonly encounter among employees are absenteeism and tardiness, insubordination and uncooperativeness, alcohol and drug abuse, workplace violence, and theft. Often the most constructive way a supervisor can address a problem behavior is through counseling. Discipline, which is used to prevent employees from breaking rules and to quickly bring about a change in behavior, must be applied in a constructive way also.
Before administering discipline, supervisors need to have a clear understanding of the situation by knowing all the facts. Disciplining occurs in as many as four progressive steps: warnings, suspension, demotion, and dismissal. Supervisors must be careful to motivate and correct rather than to generate hostility and resentment. Supervisors must: follow organizational procedures, union requirements, and laws regarding fair employment practices.
Answer each of the questions below in about 100 words each (a total of 300 words):
List the rights of employees in the discipline process.
What are the important things to remember about criticizing constructively?
What are the benefits of giving an employee decision-making leave?
Part 2: Time Management
Imagine that one of your employees is having difficulty meeting deadlines. Refer to the book and answer the following questions (150 words minimum; 300 words maximum):
What could be possible causes of failing to meet the deadlines?
What are some tools and strategies that your employee could use to overcome those issues?
What can YOU do to assist your employee?