They do not start off bad, but something happens (usually a minor problem – maybe tardiness), so you don’t say anything to them…hoping it won’t happen again.  But it does, and it gets more frequent (or the stories get more unbelievable).  Now you are forced to do something – but what?  Verbal warning?  Written warning?  Fire them?  Pray they will move on to another job?

Dealing with problem employees can take up lots of your time.  Knowing how to deal with them promptly and effectively puts you back on track to doing what you do best.