Dear Joyce – Good Work, Except …

I supervise a person who does outstanding work, except when asked to do something outside of her regular day-to-day work. What I mean is that she has certain set duties, which represent about 90% of her work, and she does these very well, but whenever she (and her other team members) are asked to do something special, such as provide a summary report, collect statistics, etc., she doesn't do it. This has happened repeatedly. When I ask why the work hasn't been done, she doesn't even have an excuse. I'm getting tired of having the same conversation with her.

Sincerely,

Frustrated

First question: Why is she doing this? Is she the type of person who gives unions a bad name, i.e., the unreasonably inflexible I'm-not-doing-it-it's-not-my-job type? Does she like the attention you give her when you confront her about not having done her work? Is she exerting her power over you (i.e., she knows that most of her work is so good that you wouldn't terminate her)? Does she like playing mind games with you (i.e., she enjoys upsetting you)?

If you are not going to terminate her, I would recommend doing one of three things: