How far should a supervisor go in criticizing the performance of a subordinate?

Question

How far should a supervisor go in criticizing the performance of a subordinate? Some highly successful managers

have been known to rely on verbal abuse and intimidation. Do you think that this is an effective means of

communicating expectations? If not, what alternative should a manager use in dealing with someone whose work is

less than satisfactory

Answer 1

Verbal threats and intimidation are methods of ineffective managers.  This does nothing but cause bad feelings and poor morale.  

An employee that isn't preforming to standards should be informed as to what is lacking and given the instruction or other means to improve his/her performance.  Goals should be clear and reasonable time should be given to reach those goals.  Feedback should be given during this period so the employee knows if she/he is progressing satisfactorily.  If not, more instruction should be given.  

It takes a little work to do this but it also takes work to hire a new employee.  If, after all this, the employee can't meet the work goals, then demotion, transfer, or termination is in order.  Other employees will also feel better if they see co-workers being treated with some respect and not just disposed of.  It makes for a more efficient work place.  

  

  

Answer 2

If a person is performing in a substandard way, then the manager should sit down with the person to start an action plan to get this person's work up to par.  That doesn't mean verbal abuse or threats, just the facts and what needs to be done to correct them.  Periodic reviews after that to see how the person is progressing.  If they are not progressing as desired demotion or termination are the next steps.