Addressing management issues: Jekyll-and-Hyde employee

Medical Laboratory Observer, June, 2006 by Christopher S. Frings

"I would use the documentation process to discuss the employee's behavior with her. You should explain what the acceptable behavior is and set limits and guidelines for her. Be clear with her what is permissible behavior in your laboratory and what you expect from her. Document the discussion. Meet with your HR department and ask the HR staff for help in dealing with the continuing behavior problems. Ask them to help you in working with the union representative, should that become necessary. Let them know that the situation is detrimental to maintaining good patient care. Insist that they provide assistance to you with this problem. Continue to document--and do not let this person destroy your laboratory morale."

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Bottom line. Perhaps she was a good employee years ago, but now she clearly is not. From what you describe, it appears that she may have a mental illness. I recommend that someone from your employee health department participate in the discussion with you and HR about how to best handle this employee. Her lack of stability is worrisome both for her own well being and also for that of your other workers. This employee has victimized you as well as everyone else, and you need to stop her.

Edited by Christopher S. Frings, PhD, CSP

Christopher S. Frings, PhD, is an internationally known consultant and speaker on the topics of leadership, managing change, time management, reaching goals, and stress management. His consulting firm, Chris Frings & Associates. (www.chrisfrings.com) is in Birmingham, AL.