Call in Supernanny to avoid tribunals

Supernanny would have a field day at her local factory. Jumped-up juniors throwing tantrums; their supposed peers ignoring antics one minute, then reaching straight for the naughty step the next. The difficult employee soon becomes boss in a dysfunctional factory. But, as Supernanny will tell you, restoring order is a simple matter of facing up to your responsibilities and enforcing boundaries. First lesson: deal with dissent. You might be knee deep in Six Sigma data when the first roar rumbles off the shopfloor. A soothing voice will tell you, 'it's better not to react, that's just Fred's way', or 'it doesn't matter as long as he gets the job done'. That same enchanting voice is known as the mermaid – luring many a trusting skipper on to the rocks. Instead, ignore it and go out and confront your dissenter. Don't be drawn into a schoolyard scrap: stay composed and cool, no matter what the provocation. You might begin by describing to Fred or Frederica what you've just witnessed. Ask them how they think dissent might be perceived by the wider team. Are they getting frustrated by a shortfall in skills that requires extra training? Or did they just get up on the wrong side of bed? Just taking an interest should engender goodwill between the two of you. Fred may well think twice before growling again, now he knows how much distress the act causes. And if he doesn't, then it's down to you to discipline. Be firm, be fair but most of all be consistent. Like your average three-year-olds, difficult employees will throw an almighty wobbly when they see the same behaviour bringing leniency one day and punishment the next. Bringing up awkward employees is never going to be easy. At best, a one-time adversary might be born again as your number one advocate. But at the very worst, at least, you will be able to look the tribunal judge in the eye and say you did everything reasonably possible to avoid this moment.