How do i nip employee defiance in the bud

Question

I was recently promoted to supervisor with my unit and my previous supervisor is now working within another unit. One of my employees that report to me directly is of the same race and religion and they speak the same language, I’ve noticed that when I assign work to my employee, giving her detailed guidelines on how the project should be done. She goes behind my back and questions my procedures with my ex supervisor who is no longer within my unit. I am one that always follow the companies policies and procedures, I have no clue as to why she would go behind my back and ask how something should be done when I am instructing her on the policies, procedures and practices I myself have learnt from my ex supervisor. Secondly this lady is beginning to question my authority directly to my face and is trying to prove me wrong in ever step I make etc. What do I do, how do I nip this behavior in the bud before it gets out of hand.

Answer 1

as part of the management of the company you must deal with this directly and immediately. it is not only between you and her but also affects your other team members. if they have no confidence in leadership the end is in sight.

you should not be confrontational but in a private meeting go over your concerns, let her know it is not acceptable and she must work more effectively as a team member. first pass is informal, if it continues work with hr and put her on a performance plan or some form of written warning that will lead to her dismissal, leaving voluntarily or hopefully recognize her behavior and consequences and adapt.