We have started a new segment allowing managers to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:
QUESTION: I pulled some strings in order to get my nephew a job at my place of business. The manager in that department was hesitant but hired him as a personal favor to me. Now I am being told he is coming in late, leaving early and has a bad attitude when confronted about his tardiness. I have tried talking to him, he apologizes and says it won’t happen again and then it does! I don’t know what to do. My sister has expressed that he REALLY needs this job but it’s starting to affect my credibility at work with my co-workers. I want to help him but I don’t want to hurt myself in the process. What do I do?
ANSWER: It’s always a tricky situation when you mix work with personal. Whether you are helping out a family member or friend, often you find out whether they are worth sticking your neck out for AFTER you do it. The best way to handle this type of situation is to stop playing the middle man and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Have a meeting with both your sister and nephew and address the situation together. This will keep your nephew from making excuses and allow his mother to get involved. Come up with a solution that everyone can live with and let them know there isn’t any more chances. If his behavior continues he could lose his job and your hands will be tied. Also, let his manager know you have spoken to him and to proceed as she feels fit. This takes the pressure off of both of you. She is now allowed to follow-through with her job without the guilt of upsetting you, while also letting you off the hook for being responsible for your nephews behavior.
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us here. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.
We have started a new segment allowing managers to ask questions that will be answered directly by our CEO, Darcy Swift. This month’s question is:
QUESTION: I pulled some strings in order to get my nephew a job at my place of business. The manager in that department was hesitant but hired him as a personal favor to me. Now I am being told he is coming in late, leaving early and has a bad attitude when confronted about his tardiness. I have tried talking to him, he apologizes and says it won’t happen again and then it does! I don’t know what to do. My sister has expressed that he REALLY needs this job but it’s starting to affect my credibility at work with my co-workers. I want to help him but I don’t want to hurt myself in the process. What do I do?
ANSWER: It’s always a tricky situation when you mix work with personal. Whether you are helping out a family member or friend, often you find out whether they are worth sticking your neck out for AFTER you do it. The best way to handle this type of situation is to stop playing the middle man and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Have a meeting with both your sister and nephew and address the situation together. This will keep your nephew from making excuses and allow his mother to get involved. Come up with a solution that everyone can live with and let them know there isn’t any more chances. If his behavior continues he could lose his job and your hands will be tied. Also, let his manager know you have spoken to him and to proceed as she feels fit. This takes the pressure off of both of you. She is now allowed to follow-through with her job without the guilt of upsetting you, while also letting you off the hook for being responsible for your nephews behavior.
If you have a question you want answered, please contact us here. We will feature one frequently asked question a month.