Q: We’re a small company and have a new employee that started a month ago. Although he came highly recommended I’m seeing cause for concern.  The positives:  he’s very enthusiastic about what we do, wants to make a difference and has great job skills.  The negatives:  he interrupts, makes inappropriate comments (then says it was joke) and doesn’t seem to have initiative.  In short, he acts unprofessional.

I supervise him and feel somewhat responsible.  We’re both in our early 30’s and I’m afraid I might have been too casual with him from the beginning.  How can I discipline him now?

A:You just gave a textbook example of some of the behavior challenges millennials bring to the workplace.  They don’t know quite how to get along in a work setting and sometimes act as if they’re in a social setting instead. Thus the inappropriate humor, the interruptions and laid back attitude.

To answer your question, I don’t think you need to discipline him.    I think he needs some honest feedback about his behavior, how it’s coming across, and how to fix it.   He also needs feedback and clarification on what you expect regarding initiative.  And who better to give it to him than you, his millennial supervisor and role model?

First, let him know what he is doing right.  Don’t rush this part.  Then let him know which behaviors are not okay and why.  Then provide some business etiquette basics.   You can take this on yourself if you are knowledgeable , or you can point him to the internet, where he can spend a few hours on YouTube (on his own time) learning about the topic, then report back to you.

Second, clearly state your expectations regarding initiative.  Millennials typically expect to be instructed and directed and don’t always assume they should take initiative.  So describe what “initiative” looks like.  For example:  “By now you know the ABC reports are due Fridays, showing initiative would mean you can start compiling those early in the week instead of waiting for me to remind you on Thursdays .”

Give him another month to turn it around.  Your new employee sounds like a fundamentally good hire who wants to please.  Some guidance and coaching might  be all he needs.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com