got2bDARK

Hi, haven't posted in awhile but I'm truly at a loss for what to do so I figured I'd post and get as much feedback as I can.

I'm 20 years old, still in college, and have been managing the salon in which I work 2 of the 3 years that I've been here. The first year, I started cleaning beds, moved my way to front desk, etc. I definitely put in my fair share of work getting to where I am now.

Except where I am now isn't so great. Because I'm young and a majority of my employees are older than me I feel like I am spoken to condescendingly (one of them addressed me as bro the other day- not only am I their manager, I'm a girl!) I tried speaking to the owner about this and she basically just laughed it up, saying thats "just how that employee talks".

But wait, theres more. This girl, I just found out gets paid the same amount as I do... but when I came in yesterday she was lounging on our couch watching tv, complaining about her cycle. Now I've had my moments, but I've NEVER sat here on the couch like a bum when I'm supposed to be working. Her beds are constantly dirty, she makes clients uncomfortable because she's a PERVERT. And on top of it, she blasphemes in the work place- where myself and another worker are pretty devout Christians. But my boss likes her because she thinks shes personable and she has good sales.

When do the good sales outweigh the rudeness, and bad vibe that she brings into the work place, that's what I'd like to know. She's absolutely terrible and makes me not want to come to work. Yesterday we got into an argument and she even said "I know its coming off as condescending right now..." So I told her to stop talking until she could stop being rude to me...Because I'm neither her little sister, "bro", or friend.

Am I crazy, or is this bull crap?

ekc123

they pay thing you need to talk to your boss about. I would leave religion out of the work place. if she is not doing her job, then write her up or make notes of different things she is doing that is wrong and present it to the boss. does your store have cameras, if so note the times she is not doing what she is suppose to be doing so the boss can watch the tape.

got2bDARK

Here's the issue. I told her to watch the tapes and she basically just blew me off. My boss claims that she "can't afford" to pay me more as of now. I know shes hurting financially, but truthfully I run her store and get paid...well, not very well for everything that I do which ranges from airbrush tanning to sales to inventory to ordering just about everything that a manager could do!

JOLEE

First I think I would address each situation at different times, and prioritize which is more important. Schedule meetings with your boss, and present your case. On the girl, make the tapes available for during the meeting to review, and strongly suggest corrective procedure (write ups etc). Let your boss know that you think this person is doing the salon a disservice instead of a service, and outline your points.

On your pay situation, if you feel an increase is necessary maybe you can come up with a different solution for a "bonus" or "incentive" to increase your pay where it won't hurt the financial situation your boss is in currently. Maybe a % of commission on a monthly basis or bonus if goals are met if you don't receive these already. If she can't do any increase, evaluate your needs and remember your job duties and responsibility give great experience and resume credentials!

(another thought-come up with some marketing ideas to get more people in the door)

MentorAmy05

I too am in the position you are in (with the exception that I do get the respect) I manage a hotel and have been in the industry since 1995.

ALL of my employees, with the exception of 2, are older than me. I do NOT have the problem, as far as you have with respect, but I have a time or too......

The thing is, you are the boss.......you need to start the "warning" process....(verbal warning, written warning, suspension, etc......so when this particular employee talks back, doesn't clean beds, etc., give her a warning or some type of reprocussion.......that way she will then take you seriously.

The owner doesn't seem to give a darn and that is very unfortunate. The owner(s) there should be supportive of your decisions and I personally think if she is acting that "certain" way, it may be driving clients away.....

No employee of a business should EVER be "lounging" in the lobby or common areas....if they are not busy.....I am certain you could put a "check-list" together and tell them to do the "things to do" list when they are slow.........I would definately recommend you put some type of plan into place to where you have control over these employees, so that they give you the respect you deserve....

It sounds to me like you need to have a "sit down" with the owner and let her know how things are going and what you have seen this particular employee do (or not do) and stress to the owner that this type of manners can steer potential guests/clients away from there.

Good Luck to you and I hope that things get better.

__________________
UVFreeTanning@aol.com

got2bDARK

Thanks for all the advice. It's disheartening to know that I've already done some of the things you've suggested. I think I've marketed this place as if it was mine- made up specials, concepts, and detailed information for approval by the owner- all a flop. I've made checklists which some people (myself included) perform. Others, I know lie to me and say they've done it but when I check the work it's clearly not done.

I just don't understand why the owner seems to favor this employee (she's a brown noser but aside from that... I dont get it.) Her sales are good, but still the lowest percentage in the salon and the owner made me cut everyone's hours next month (again including mine) to anywhere between 35-39. BUT when this girl asked her for more hours, my boss willingly gave them to her- what makes her different from the rest of my staff? She's lazier, sloppier, and by far the most unpleasant girl I have on staff.

got2bDARK

Another perfect example of her less-than-stellar attitude:

for june bc its slowing down i had to put the girls on some on call shifts instead of having them come in ...my lazy employee seems to be a fan of clocking in and not doing anything so she told my stellar employee that when they are supposed to be doing on call together she's just got to SHOW UP and they'll decide then who wants to go home for the day! Even tho it's not her place and those are not her hours.
Seriously? you're gonna STEAL her hours you greedy thief? Here's the kicker: not only does she make what I make but she also collects unemployment!

MentorAmy05

She collects unemployment???? that is illegal, considering she has a "job"!

But anyways, I would sit down with the owner and let her know how you feel (a nice face to face) and see if this changes anything.....wait until a day that no one is around but you 2 and when you are slow......

I really hope you find a solution to this problem....although it sounds like the owner has some type of 'personal" feelings, for this employee, in one way or the other.....because it makes absolutely no sense why an owner would want an employee, such as the one you described.

Good Luck to you and I hope you find a resolution to this "problem"......

__________________
UVFreeTanning@aol.com

TanManagement

I was a young manager myself, worked my way up from cleaning beds with a work permit at age 14. Getting respect is easy when you know your own worth. You're letting these people devalue you and you're allowing yourself to feel inferior because of age. People don't just walk all over you, you have to let them. Stop going to the owner for their input on the matter, you are undermining your own position! If you have authority to write her up and fire her, then do so. When its all in writing and you have just cause, you sit the owner down and say "tough sh**, she wasn't following company policy". You need to get tough. Also, sit the owner down once you've written up her final warning AND let her know that the girls final paycheck is next. Let the owner know that surely she wouldn't allow this type of behavior and poor work ethic in her salon. Take charge!! You cannot consult and ask for permission, she hired you to manage so she better let you do your job. It sounds like you know she needs to be fired and need reinforcement. Remember, its a not charity, its business. People get fired when they don't perform. She thinks her sales are strong so she can get away with murder, put a stop to that. If the owner doesn't support your decision to fire her, print out these responses to your plight and let her know industry experts back you up and see there's no choice.

TanManagement

Posted twice! Sorry.