How to Handle Employees Who Don’t Follow Instructions
Some employees are unable to follow instructions. It could be due to their poor understanding of these instructions. Another reason is they’re trying to be insubordinates. They don’t want to follow what you’re telling them to do for whatever reason. Either way, you must do something. You can’t let this behavior slide since it adversely affects the operations. Here’s how you should do it.
Repeat the instructions and allow follow-up questions
If you believe someone can’t do things right due to poor comprehension, make sure your instructions are clear. If you’ve sent the instructions via email, you might want to call that person or have a meeting. It’s the only way to ensure you’re on the same page. Open your doors for follow-up questions, too. Even employees who got the information right the first time might still feel confused along the way. It helps if your doors are always open for more questions. Otherwise, these people will assume they’re doing everything right and it’s wrong in the end.
Divide tasks by pair or group
Another way to hasten the process and eliminate misunderstanding is by dividing the tasks. You can do it by pair or by group. If there are confusions, the team can figure it out. They can discuss what needs to be done. Even if someone has poor comprehension or has misunderstood the tasks, the others can clarify. It also boosts team spirit when you allow employees to work together.
Learn to listen
Your first reaction when someone is insubordinate is to get angry. You’re frustrated that the person can’t do a good job and you want to lash out. Your anger won’t get the job done. If anything, it can lead to the loss of another employee and delay in the accomplishment of the task. The first step is to listen. Find out why this employee isn’t listening to you. Did you say something wrong? Do you have unfair practices and policies? Is this employee the only person who feels that way, or is there consensus? You want to know the answers to these questions since there might be more insubordinates in the future. It’s no longer a reflection of that person’s attitude, but your poor leadership style. Change your ways when necessary.
Implement consequences
If someone intentionally doesn’t follow instructions, it might be due to the lack of consequences for such a behavior. These employees don’t care because they know nothing will be done. They don’t even worry about getting fired from the job. Make sure you don’t let this behavior slide. You also don’t want to send the wrong message to the other employees. You will be surprised that there are dozens more who won’t follow your instructions because they don’t care. You have no punishments for terrible behavior. With appropriate consequences, expect people to change soon.
You can’t let insubordination stand. Learn to communicate well with your employees and ask for their opinions too.
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2nd image from https://www.leaderonomics.com/articles/leadership/dividing-team-tasks-better-way-
