I have firefighter under my command that is getting sloppier and sloppier in the little things. He haphazardly checks off the equipment and supplies, so that when we need something as simple as a form for a patient to sign, it may or may not be on the truck.

He is slower and slower getting to the engine. When driving he constantly needs directions, as he seldom. has a clue where he is going due to not consulting the map.

In addition, he often neglects his station chores such as emptying the trash. It has gotten to the point that I have to play baby sitter to make sure the little stuff gets done.

If he were a new guy this may be an easy problem to deal with, as discipline may still seem intimidating. Part of the problem I face is that this guy has been with the City for over 15 years. He is complacent in his job because of his senority and he knows from experience that nothing ever comes from counseling. When the crap hits the fan, he is good at what is required of him, but the rest of the time is a challenge.

I am ready to give him a writen warning for poor performance. I know that when I do I am opening a can of worms. He will make snide comments, try to belittle my authority with the other firefighters and become more resolute in just doing things as he wants challenging every direction I give him.

Suggestions?

__________________
Pictures of the MB: http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee41/EricandRobyn/1981%20Mercedes/

1981 300 SD with a Goldenrod water block and Injetor line heaters. EGR is missing

1999 F-350 with HP X-over, Dahl 100 Fuel Filter, Coolant by-pass filter, CCV mod, Tymar intake.

Both on single tank WVO blend

Does he have kids? Ask him if he lets them ignore their responsibilities. Then tell him to stop acting like a kid.

__________________
1984 300TD

About 15 yrs. ago, I held a mgt/mostly-tech position for an IT contracting firm at a state-side U. S. Air Force base.

We "theoretically" worked along side govt. civil service employees. I was flabbergasted by their incompetence and could-care-less approach to most eveything they did. There were a few good people in this group, but they were most definitely in the minority.

More than one "how do they get away with it" talks took place between myself and members of their mgt. staff. You know as well(or likely better) than I that it's virtually impossible to take any meaningful action against a govt. employee, be it city, county, state; federal.

Knowing this, I would put aside thoughts of remedial action and perhaps try to engage this man in some personal conversation. Over a period of time, you may learn more about what's behind this.

Is he merely taking advantage of his tenure or are there extenuating circumstance in his life that have brought on his complacent attitude?

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

Enact a policy and standard that all must comply with regardless of seniority. Do timed drills and he does not make the cut --- he gets cut.

Give him a written warning. Within it, state that his lack of attention could one day lead to a tragedy, and that this is not permissible.
A second written warning will be accompanied by a unpaid day off.
A third written warning will result in dismissal.
Ask him if he needs a day off (maybe he is working 2 jobs and doesn' sleep enough?) If he has a substance abuse problem, he needs to get help, now.

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

He's 40+ with a newborn. He complains constantly how the baby cuts into his fishing time and that when he's not at work, he's babysitting.

__________________
Pictures of the MB: http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee41/EricandRobyn/1981%20Mercedes/

1981 300 SD with a Goldenrod water block and Injetor line heaters. EGR is missing

1999 F-350 with HP X-over, Dahl 100 Fuel Filter, Coolant by-pass filter, CCV mod, Tymar intake.

Both on single tank WVO blend

I have tried to have conversations with him and in an informal setting address the short comings. He is quick to just point to others as doing worse, changes the subject to other problems in the department, or laughs it off saying that he's been doing the job for years just fine.

He feels that his senority and the mismanagement at the top levels gives him a pass to do as he pleases.

__________________
Pictures of the MB: http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee41/EricandRobyn/1981%20Mercedes/

1981 300 SD with a Goldenrod water block and Injetor line heaters. EGR is missing

1999 F-350 with HP X-over, Dahl 100 Fuel Filter, Coolant by-pass filter, CCV mod, Tymar intake.

Both on single tank WVO blend

If only it was that simple. I already know that as soon as I give him the writen warning not only will he belittle the criticism, but he will grieve the discipline and look to rally support from the others on shift.

__________________
Pictures of the MB: http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee41/EricandRobyn/1981%20Mercedes/

1981 300 SD with a Goldenrod water block and Injetor line heaters. EGR is missing

1999 F-350 with HP X-over, Dahl 100 Fuel Filter, Coolant by-pass filter, CCV mod, Tymar intake.

Both on single tank WVO blend

If that is the case you need to set a standard to evaluate him against the other employees.......and yourself. Without a baseline you don't have anything in the event that you have to let him go.

You might be too worried about this. If everyone else does their jobs and this guy gets away with acting like a 12 year old, well, if I were there I'd resent him, not join him.

__________________
1984 300TD

Write up some SOP's (standard operating proceedures) about how things are expected to be done and give them to everyone. When he fails to follow them, write him up. Third time he and anyone else is let go.

Federal (and I assume) state civil service has a system or procedure for dealing with subordinates that fail to meet performance standards. It is up to the supervisor to learn the procedure and follow it. TO THE LETTER! Otherwise you will meet Mr Lawyer who will not be favorably disposed toward your ignorance.

B

Exactly. I've seen it happen.

For some reason, society has created two types of employment, civil, or state and private, and they are worlds apart with regard to the problems you have with this guy.

I don't know if you can do anything, unless it's formally done. -and by the letter. I assume that even in this type of position, enough write ups and some one can get fired? If not, then there is no alternative - you the conscientious one, will have to work it out in your own head.

__________________
DS
2010 CL550 - Heaven help me but it's beautiful
87 300D a labor of love
11 GLK 350 So far, so good
08 E350 4matic, Love it.
99 E320 too rusted, sold
87 260E Donated to Newgate School
www.Newgateschool.org - check it out.
12 Ford Escape, sold, forgotten
87 300D, sold, what a mistake
06 Passat 2.0T, PITA, sold

Las Vegas NV

You can fire civil servants and you can fire tenured teachers. It just takes following the rules for dealing with it. the reasons for tenure and civil service are good, IMO. It inhibits politicians from whimsically hiring and firing people. Back in Andrew Jackson's day he hired and fired people all up and down the food chain based on whether they supported him politically. It was so blatant that his detractors called in the "spoils" system from the Roman tradition of looting the vanquished in war (to the victor go the spoils of war). In my state Huey Long was the last great practitioner of this tradition. Since then strong civil service rules have protected all employees.

Can incompetent people hide behind civil service? You bet. That's where artful management plays an important role. As manager you have to follow the rules dealing with your subordinate. Send him to counseling and all of that stuff and document it all. First, it may get the employees attention and he may straighten-up. If he doesn't straighten-up, you will still have gathered voluminous paperwork demonstrating your efforts to motivate him and his failure to demonstrate improvement. It might take a year. Git'er done!

B