Staff discipline - 39 - English at Work helps get the punishment right

New recruit Rachel has been making life difficult for Anna and she's been making some bad business decisions.
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TRANSCRIPT
Narrator
Hello and welcome back to Tip Top Trading. New recruit Rachel has been making life difficult for Anna; she's been making some bad business decisions. Let's find out how Anna can save the day.
Tom
Right, we've definitely got to do something about Rachel… definitely… only, I'm a bit busy at the moment.
Denise
Sorting out your dinner date are you Tom?! So Anna, have you spoken to Paul about this?
Anna
Yes I have, but he didn't do anything.
Denise
Hmm, well he is your boss so I think you've got to speak to him again. Take him some biscuits, that might get his attention.
Anna
Well, I'll try
Denise
Oh and keep notes so you have a record of your conversation.
Anna
Denise, you're amazing. But where have the pens gone to?
Denise
That is strange – we all seem to be losing our pens. Here, use this old pencil.
Anna
Thanks.
Narrator
Anna. Are you happy complaining officially about Rachel?
Anna
Not really but what else can I do? She's been spoiling all the work I've been doing.
Narrator
Yes she has. OK, well tell Paul the facts and tell him you want action.
Anna
OK. Right, here goes.
Paul
Come in.
Anna
Hi Paul. I really need to speak to you about Rachel. She really is messing things up…Paul?
Paul
Sorry, just counting my biscuits. What were you saying? Rachel? Great girl, isn't she?
Anna
No she's not.
Paul
Oh.
Anna
Paul, she's already sent out the wrong order and now she's upset our new client. Plus, have you seen the way she dresses? I'm not happy and I think you've got to take some action.
Narrator
Anna, you're on fire! But stick to the facts, don't get personal about Rachel.
Paul
Well I'm sure Mr Socrates would disagree with you. Look, if she is as bad as you say then I'll give you my permission to discipline her – give her a warning.
Anna
What! Me?
Paul
You know what's she done wrong so tell her not to do it again…and besides, I've got an important meeting to go to… and they usually have those delicious shortbread biscuits. So …I'll leave it with you then?
Narrator
What a useless boss! Anna are you happy about what to do next?
Anna
Not really. What am I going to say?
Narrator
It's not easy but keep calm and professional and say to Rachel, "you've made some serious mistakes" and "you need to consult me before you contact any of our clients." Give her a verbal warning saying "These mistakes cannot happen again, otherwise I will have to refer the matter to someone higher." This may lead to disciplinary action but it may be for the best.
Anna
Oh it's all very serious but I suppose I've got to do it.
Narrator
Good luck!
Rachel
Anna! Darling! What's wrong? I saw Paul and he said you're in a bit of a mood.
Anna
It's not a mood Rachel. Can we talk please…now?
Rachel
Yeah sure. Let's sit here, shall we – not in that chair – that's my favourite.
Anna
Rachel, I wanted to let you know that you've made some serious mistakes.
Rachel
Oh!
Anna
You have really upset our new client – and you think it's ok to sell second hand plastic oranges.
Rachel
Calm down. It's business, darling.
Anna
It's not good business Rachel. These mistakes cannot happen again. If they do I will have to take matters higher and it could result in disciplinary action.
Rachel
Oh! You're quite scary for a short girl.
Narrator
That was unnecessary! But well done Anna for keeping cool and calm in a difficult situation. Let's hope Rachel has got the message. Here is a reminder of the phrases you could use when giving someone a verbal warning…
You've made some serious mistakes.
You need to consult me before you contact any of our clients.
These mistakes cannot happen again otherwise I will have to refer the matter to someone higher.
Narrator
Let's find out how Rachel is behaving.
Tom
Ah hello, Rachel.
Rachel
Tommy boy. Come and give me a hug. Opps!
Tom
Our pens! All our pens! You've been stealing them! Rachel!
Paul
What's going on? I say, what are all those pens doing on the floor?
Denise
They're from Rachel's handbag. She's been stealing them!
Paul
What? The company's pens?Right, well, I need to see you in my office please Rachel, now…if you don't mind.
Anna/Tom/Denise
Gasp!
Narrator
So Rachel is the pen thief! What does this mean for her job at Tip Top Trading? Find out next time. Until then, bye!