Dear Dr. Mimi:
I am the manager of a large company and I have hired an employee who seems to be costing
my company more than he is earning for us. Customers love him, but his mistakes are really
beginning to have an impact. I don’t want to have to let him go. Do you have any suggestions on
how to possibly work through this issue?
—Confused
Dear Confused:
Meet with this employee as soon as a mistake is discovered and pinpoint the exact problem
that he is having and how to remedy it. Do not make corrections for him. Have him make them
and then bring the corrected product back to you. Consider putting him on probation for a
specific amount of time so he knows he is being held accountable for his actions. This may mean
a time investment for you, but in the end, it may not only benefit the company and your
customers but the employee as well.
—Dr. Mimi
Dear Dr. Mimi- Handling Employee Errors
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Dear Dr. Mimi — Conflicted
Dear Dr. Mimi,I have been having some issues with a coworker of mine. I don’t want it to get in the way of work. How should I handle it?—Conflicted Dear Overwhelmed,If you have a problem with a coworker, stay calm and plan what you are going to say. After you share your thoughts, listen to…
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Dear Dr. Mimi — Falling Behind
Dear Dr. Mimi,I have been working at my company for ten years, and lately, there has been a lot of new technology implemented that I am not comfortable using. I feel like I am falling behind and nobody cares!—Falling Behind Dear Falling,Learning new things is always scary. I recommend asking your boss if someone can…
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Informal Roles Shape Teams. Manage Them!
Often, employees take on informal roles beyond their official job titles. These roles include team explainer, unofficial motivator, coach, problem-solver, and/or organizer. They help teams function better, strengthen relationships, and fill often overlooked gaps. Playing these roles often demonstrates initiative and a willingness to contribute to a team’s success. Informal roles are important AND they…