Managing Difficult Workers (1)

Dealing with difficult workers can be … difficult

Hi, Uncle Bob. Can I ask your opinion on something?

Sure. My door is always open.

You know I hired a few employees last month, right?

Yes, I remember. How are they working out?

In two cases just fine - better than fine, actually.

Terry and Angela are great.

But...

Well, in Ralph's case... things aren't so good.

What's the problem?

He definitely has the requisite skills. In face, he's quite talented.

But, I'm have a problem with his attitude.

I see.

For starters, he calls at the last minute to say he can't come in. Then when he does come in, he's chronically late.

Did you talk to him about it?

Sure, but he always has some dubious excuse. And there are other problems, too.

Like what?

He won't follow instructions, so other people often have to redo his work.

That is a problem. So what are you going to do?

Well, I know I have grounds to terminate him, but I can't help but feel that might not be the best solution.

Go on.

It's just that I put so much effort into hiring him, and I really do need the help.

Grammar Gym
...but I can't help but feel that might not be the best solution.
can't help but [verb]
One's thoughts or feelings being a certain way and there is no way he or she can change it

- Clarence's homework is not in his book bag, and he can't help but wonder if it is at home.

- Even though Wanda insists she is took sick to work, her boss can't help but think she is lying to him.

Info Cloud
My door is always open.
open-door policy


Language Lab
requisite adj.
/ˈrɛkwəzət/
needed for a particular purpose
- She doesn't have the requisite qualifications for this position.
- Determination is a quality requisite to a professional athlete.
requisite n.
something that is needed for a particular purpose
- The ability to speak English is one requisite for the job.

chronically adv. [chron- indicating time]
/ˈkrɑ:nɪkli/
happening or existing frequently or most of the time
- The old lady is chronically ill and can't leave the house.
chronic adj.
/ˈkrɑ:nɪk/
continuing or occurring again and again for a long time
- George suffers from chronic back pain.

dubious adj.
/ˈdu:bijəs/
1 causing doubt, uncertainty, or suspicion : likely to be bad or wrong
- The suspect's dubious testimony made him sound even more suspicious.
這名嫌犯含胡不清的證詞,讓他聽起來讓他更加可疑
2 unsure or uncertain : feeling doubt about something — usually + about
- We're dubious about cooperating with this new company.
我們對於要和這家新公司合作, 覺得有些不放心

terminate v.
1 to take a job away from (someone) : fire
- The boss had no choice but to terminate William because he never showed up on time.
2 to cause (something) to end
- The team terminated the contract with this pitcher.


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