I have a talented and hard-working employee, but she acts like a princess and rubs everyone around her the wrong way. Got any advice about how to turn her around? I value her work but she’s eroding morale.
We’ve all met them. She racks up record sales. He pulls off IT miracles. But they ooze attitude and ignore every rule. Such star performances can hold you hostage. It’s tricky; you want to encourage peak performance while reining in bad behavior. Try these steps:
1. ) Feed the need: This is a staffer who will respond to special handling. If you’re comfortable making an exception, provide some daily stroking.
2. ) Find the reward: Identify what makes your royalty tick and make a deal, whether cash incentives, creative tasks, recognition, flextime, or something else. Just make the reward conditioned on respect for co-workers and rules.
3.) Build a fence: Assign critical lone-ranger tasks that let your star shine. In the end, while arrogance can be managed, hostility is something else. If your prima donna lacks heart and wants you, the boss, to fail, then cut him or her lose, pronto.
— Joanna L. Krotz
JasonWe use Belbin team roles to help understand where people fit in our organizational teams. People fill a technical role, but also a behavioral role in all teams. She is probably filling a behavioral role that is not common in your organization. However, you don't want to disrupt your core culture, so help her by setting parameters to follow, but also limit team interactions or find "lone-ranger" activities as described above so she does not have to completely change.
Thank You- jojojo
Another question for the writer to ask, unless the writer owns the business: would the firing stick? My female boss tried to fire two lazy non-producers, and was told by HR that it was OK to fire the male, but not the female, because they feared charges of discrimination. And of course in doing so, they were practicing discrimination
Thank You - jojojo
Another question for the writer to ask, unless the writer owns the business: would the firing stick? My female boss tried to fire two lazy non-producers, and was told by HR that it was OK to fire the male, but not the female, because they feared charges of discrimination. And of course in doing so, they were practicing discrimination
Thank You - C
No one should be reward for bad behavior. What reward is being given to the employees that are abiding by all the rules? That's just plain stupid.
Thank You - V
Honesty....... thats the best way, tell her her work is top notch, but you are a team and she needs to be a team player.thats it thats all. this goes for male or female. honesty.....imagine that
Thank You - DELIA
Just went through this last week. My best salesperson, with the least respect for the system, and the people around her. I have twenty five years in the business, she has one, and magically knows more than I do. Amazing! In the end, not worth great numbers and happy customers, because her behavior was so toxic to others. Ultimately did what I knew she would do - fired herself. Went to work for a competitor. I give her six months, but better them to be stuck with her than me!
Thank You - wow
Reading some of the comments. Really? You sat there and waited for a mistake to let him go. That is exactly what guy said you do. Micromanage. We have a few people like that.
Thank You - Missunderstood- Frustrada
I am a hard working employee and I'm committed to my job. However, the head of HR is BF with the executive of the company who reports to the boss. The problem is, the boss still runs the company with a "mom and pop" store mentality. The business politics are making employees leave left and right which is giving the company a wrong image. Although I had stick around even after I felt like I was slapped in the face in a meeting followed by a promise of an small incentive, now I too find myself
Thank You - Fifty Five and Proud
A "princess" in the office is such a negative for everyone else. It certainly doesn't help the "team player" attitude that would help our small business grow. It's very frustrating, but I don't have the authority to fire her, or I would. Anyone else could do her job and any other attitude would improve things 150%. I realize she's insecure, but GET OVER IT. We're adults, or supposed to be, by this time!! Any suggestions for a frustrated co-worker?????
Thank You - Business Owner
Will her work keep bringing in revenue? Will it keep you (her supervisor) looking good to your supervisors? Then keep her. If revenue drops, believe me you'll have more to consider than office moral.
Thank You - Mr. Knowitall
Get some professional staff that don't whine. The workplace, much like life will not be fair, make sure your family life is, and deal with the rest.
Thank You - FIREHER
I actually can't imagine what she brings to the table that's so valuable she is unfirable. Every person I know who acts this way is in some sort of IT or tech field, usually they have computer programming skills that older workers lack, so they think they can do whatever they please and not be let go; and they're usually right. However, I doubt she's better at IT tech skills than anyone else on the planet.
Thank You - DaveA
It's 'cut loose' not 'cut lose'. Please learn how to spell correctly before you offer advice to others. It damages your credibility as an authority on the subject!
Thank You - hardworker
Most people are average workers so anyone who stands out is toxic. Have her mentor someone and then you can have the option of replacing her. People in the office hate the attitude but they also love the fact she accepts additional work and responsibility. They can continue to be average and collect a paycheck.
Thank You - Jane Doe
We have that situation and I am taking over more and more of the office princess's duties. This shows the persons in charge that others can do that job and that either she start doing the hard stuff or prove what she is doing is still all that valuable to the company. It is touchy though because in a second if she caught on she has the ammo to get me fired.
Thank You - Anon.
She could be identified as a princess because she does not fit in with a clique that might be in the office. Group dynamics have an interesting way of excluding anyone who doen't cowtow to the ring leader.
Thank You - Dianne
The boss has failed. She needs coaching and direction. What are the team goals?What does this person's performance review look like? If sales is the only measurement for this person, the boss needs to fix that. She needs to be told, formally and in writing, that her interpersonal relationships and her teamwork will be part of her performance rating (and any raises/bonuses that go with it.) There also needs to be regular follow-up meetings with her to provide feedback and discuss her progr
Thank You - University employee
I have seen it more than once...rewarding/prmoting an employee because they can not get along with others. Getting along with others is a skill that "princess" should have learned in Kindergarten. There are a lot of competent, pleasant people looking for work. If she won't change, let her go don't reward her for bad behavior.
Thank You - Really...?
How about talking to her about her attitude. If she refuses to change, let there be a consequense. If she STILL refuses to change fire her! There are other talented people out there. Why should you let her go only if she want's the boss to fail? What about the other people who have to put up with her/
Thank You - Hard worker
Princesses abound...but the boss loves them...which destroyes morale also....so the connection goes on. They work only when needed...goof off with the boss also...while the rest of us carry the load...but the boss is the boss. Honesty doesn't work....the boss WON't change anything...disheartened....
Thank You - John
We have one in our office. Our office used to be the definition of teamwork. That attitude has been destroyed by the addition of the princess and our supervisor's unwillingness to open their eyes to the problem. One manager is far to close to her, and the other one is afraid of her. The only people that stick around are those that have to or those that just stick their head in the ground and try to ignore (neither a desirable characteristic in any employee). Humouring a princess doesn't hel
Thank You - Bo
Explain that and that there are a million and one other personalities out there that would love the opt to have her spot; especially in this economy. Tell her that she needs to relocate her inflated feelings of self worth and locate team worth/work. Let her know this on an eval. Be sure to point out the strengths also so that all isn't bad.
Thank You - Annoyed
i work with a woman who thinks that she is a top producer but she is not. She is constantly in the boss' office tattle-telling on someone. The sad thing is the boss does not know she tattles on her too. She wants her position so bad she can taste it. She copies people in the office and tries to prove that she is better than them. She is so worried about what other people are doing she should be more worried about her weight. She lies constantly and would probably sell her own mother if she could
Thank You - Owned my own business
A Princess can only have power if you let her rule the kingdom! You're the manager! Sit her down and let her know that she's no more important than anyone else on the team. Let all the employees know how important they are to the company as long as they are team players, but no individual is irreplaceable! If you can't do that, you shouldn't be the manager! Are you running a business or a popularity contest?
Thank You - fRUSTRATED
HA! What if Princess is your HR director...There's not a snowballs chance in hell you can repremand her and she knows it.
Thank You - Thomas
To provide a reward on condition of respect for fellow employees or respect for the rules is a mistake. It should be made clear that these are not reward worthy conditions, these are mandatory. Everyone is expected to conduct themselves respectfully and follow the rules. Even the highest performers, no exceptions.
Thank You - Marti
I was a "princess" on a job for seven years. I was also (acknowledged by corporate awards) the hardest worker, the most productive, the top money producer, a corporate trainer for others in several departments. I "did it my way" because it worked - I shared my productivity skills with anyone who wanted to learn. I refused to allow company changes to cut in to my productivity stream, so low level supervisory people resented that I just catered to the company's bottom line and wouldn't play their
Thank You - Attn WysUp (or Wise Up)
Hey Wys Up, (Or should I say Wise Up.) Your comment about the commenters spelling errors is not the topic of discussion. However, I believe they're typing errors rather than spelling errors. What about your grammar error in the second person rather than the plural third..."have the common problem that 'you' can't spell..." It should be "have the common problem that 'they' can't spell..." Wise Up! Wys Up
Thank You - sirloin869
I am that person. They are that way for a reason, as I am. Just because we work with you/for you doesn't mean we like you personally. Enemies can have moral. Criminals can have moral. Any organization, good or bad, can have moral. As an open threat, I'll pose a proposition for anyone who doesn't understand: do you want people to handle issues in a social context, or a physical one? Those are your options, whether or not they are pleasant or nice. Enemies can have moral, too.
Thank You - Fed Up
Well I work with a Princess who is incompetent and doesn't do ANY work. At least the Princess in this scenario is productive and effective? Who cares about her assumed "attitude"? Maybe its the rest of the office that needs to adjust... Maybe they would be start performers too if they did.... LOL
Thank You - just dew-itt
It doesn't matter to a peer employee how or why you're the princess. Rules are rules for everybody. And when the boss ignores that, it causes real problems.
Thank You - Frustrating
I work with a woman who is a little like this. She has the Princess attitude and customers actually call her the princess of the lumber yard.... but the whole talented and hard working thing is wrong. She spend all the time she can avoiding doing any work, and then it all gets re-assigned to the assistant manager or me. She is always taking vacation and uses her kid as an excuse to not come to work at least once a week. It's really annoying but I know if I complained I would be the one to go. I
Thank You - Notgonnasay
Oh yes!! We've got one..too bad shes dating the president of the company!
Thank You - Fed Up
Well I work with a Princess who is incompetent and doesn't do ANY work. At least the Princess in this scenario is productive and effective? Who cares about her assumed "attitude"? Maybe its the rest of the office that needs to adjust... Maybe they would be start performers too if they did.... LOL
Thank You - Mrs. Robinson
As the boss its up to you to enforce the policies, or else the remiaining staff will loose respect for you. Re-inforce the rules at a staff meeting, not mentioning any names but looking at the guilty specifically. After that talk to the person 1 on 1 if they don't striaghten up and say no one is above the law. These are the kind of people that leave your organization for another and take your success with them.
Thank You - frank
People come in many different packages thats what makes us unique . If there is a character proplem maybe it would do some good to be-friend this individual ,and so to approach them in a way of wisdom that they would listen .
Thank You - roseroyce
Don't put yourself in a position where morale is so low, you risk losing very good employees. That would be tragic. The way to deal with her is to demand that she follows company/corporate rules just like everyone else; if she does not, that is the basis for termination. She is not that great that she cannot be replaced. Tell her, as well, that she is not there to be serviced by others. Most people like that end up making huge mistakes because they think they are so great. Arrogant people ar
Thank You - Job 1
I have seen both, prince and princess. Althouth the efficency they created through various projects and assignments caused the loss of several Key people in positions that the premadonas could not fill. Realization by our supervisor, who had allowed this behavor, came when the CEO came to this branch for his semi-yearly visit. The visit yielded fact that the people that left because of the friction were individuals that had been in our firms mentoring program and were slated to become key person
Thank You - Dan in NJ
If the manager is competent each employee is required to adhere to basic performance standards, one is usually: works well with others. If the star is truly a star performer he/she should be rewarded as such; however in an overall performance evaluation may be deficient in working with others / teamwork. This employee will fall short in this one area & will be ineligible for glory & honor. If the manager can adhere to this assessment the employee will get the message. This approach will gain the
Thank You - Princess
I'm I guess what you would call the "princess" of the office. What I really am is someone who questions things or says "no, I don't think that's a good idea." I'm a management's nightmare because I don't just say "sure, I'll work 15 hours today and only get paid 8." I'm someone who they would consider "rocks the boat". I don't like being taken advantage. If I feel I am, I WILL say something. If that's a princess then so be it!
Thank You - Princess
Also, I'm not at work to make friends...I've got plenty. I'm here to do my job and if I think someone else is incapable, then I have a problem. I'm not going to tip-toe around them so I don't hurt their feelings. Grow-up and figure out how to do your job and not be such an effing moron!
Thank You - Been There
Prima donas etc only exist if the shirt (manager) lets them. These people will excell no matter what,so use it don't abuse it. As long as your employee is performing well, your job as a manger is to utilize their skills in a way that promotes team work. If your too lazy to reign in your star's obnoxious attitudes then you deserve what you get. Just because an employee is a star does not mean that team work must suffer, also when you, if you do, correct your normal employees behaviour or lac
Thank You - Nick
What goood is a cow (princess) that gives plenty of milk it she kicks over the pail?
Thank You - jealousy
This is what happens when you work with a office full of ugly drama queens. LOL!
Thank You - jeff
Noone is irreplaceable!!. If this so called princess is erroding moral it effects productivity. Others are going to take up this "princesses" bad habits and what can you do about it when they say to you...."you let so and so take 5 breaks a day".
Thank You - jake
We have a two woman office, one works very hard, the other is a Tom Sawyer, getting everyone (men) to do her work. The head man, her boss flirts with her and most think they are in bed together. Very difficult working conditions, but as they say ?in this economy? do your job and be happy you have one. I feel bad for the other woman but she just says 'let it be'
Thank You - Gimmeeabreak!
We have one here. The boss feels that she can't live without the princess. She thinks no one else can do what she does. Her best traits are getting the work done and talking with clients. Come on! No one else can do that? Really? Give me a break!
Thank You - TEAMWORKER
Comment for Wagwan...in four sentences you have used I five times. You mentioned "our" dept...it takes a TEAM to run a department or putting a company on the map. Knock the chip off of your shoulder and thank the rest of the team since all of you had a part in "putting the company on the map."
Thank You - been there
From experience I've found that the trouble generated isn't worth keeping her. All of my workers have made it possible for the indiviual to look like she's the reason for success. when thier support stopped so did the success!!!
Thank You - peachpie
When did thinking highly of yourself become a crime? These type of people usually dress well speak well and have good hygiene habits. i always thought of it to be important to be witty and curent. others need to step up their game. she comes ready to work and most of the time people who complain could stand to act less common.
Thank You - Buck
Get rid of her others can do the jog and she will not be missed
Thank You - sorry Annelnore!
Sorry I accidentally clicked the report abuse button on Annelnore and couldn't remove it:(
Thank You - Been there
Princes and Princesses are tolerated as long as they deliver, but once their negative traits outweigh the positive ones they generally do not last long.
Thank You - Steve
Give her the boot. Any trouble in the workplace should not be tolerated.
Thank You - Victoria
I am most certainly the office princess! I perform above and beyond the call of duty and my talents by FAR outshine all of my co-workers. This sounds like arrogance, but its shear fact. My co-workers are usually at odds with me about one thing or the next, but never my job performance or lack of helping them when they fumble through the things they should know how to do . I work in higher education, and the fact that I do not hold some advance degree but am never in a position of " i don't know"
Thank You - Tom
Someone has to be the "jerk" and tell her how it's going to be. Demote her. Make her start looking for another job. Sounds like bad news and this is very common at the work place unfortunately. Or fire her. Think outside the box because NO company needs a princess.
Thank You - Princes#1
I am definitely the princess in my office - and the only female, not sure if that has anything to do with it. But I know my job, my industry and what's expected of me. And I know when and how to kiss the boss's butt to get what I want. And if that rubs anyone the wrong way, that's not my problem. I'm there to make my company money - not to make friends. Besides, they don't sign my paycheck. Toughen up, people. Lead, follow or get out of the way!
Thank You - JohnnyBravo
People grow up. Whats next? Oh the football players tackle to hard? Heres a novel idea, spend zero time giving the prima donna attention and all your time doing your job to the best of your ability. Prima donna's "need" others to get all bothered by they'er presence and antic. Remember prima donna's can not force you to give them attention, egnore them and watch how they expose themselves as being insecure egotistical self centered a combination of behavioral traits that will isolate them even
Thank You - Disgusted
Don't really want to see someone lose their job, but the least they could do would be sure that she treats people with respect, that is really all we care about. Being talk to decent does wonders for morale. She did not hear of you get more bees with honey than Vinager.
Thank You - Bo
Have you sent her to "Sensitivity or Professionalism and Ethics" training. Wagwan needs that.
Thank You - Can feel the bad vibes...
We have an office "Prince" in the office. He's in a highly visable position and he's downright disgusting. He stinks and hasn't changed his clothes in over two years. I think the company is fearful of termination due to his heritage (American Indian). He has an ego the size of King Kong and is rude and degrading to everyone in the office and he thinks he's more intellegent than anyone and he'll let you know it..yet they hang on to him.
Thank You - BigShoulders
My small department has a "thorn-in-the-side" contigency princess. She has numerously thrown me under the bus in front of my manager and co-woker. Even after discussing her quality of work and curt attitude with my manager, they still seem to bring her in for projects. I'm ready to leave after dealing with this for over a year!!
Thank You - Randi
I would let her know that what she is doing is not acceptable behavior. The 'team' mentality is a part of the job and if she cannot perform that part of the job then she is not working properly. People forget that the job isn't just about the work but also about how one presents themselves and helps the entire company's staff.
Thank You - HR
You HAVE to discuss the issues with the employee and set specific expectations. Whether you're blunt or stroking depends on the person you're talking to and the seriousness of the issue, but you have to tell them or they won't know. Really. The truth is that most people truly believe they're doing a great job at work. Yes, even the ones who play games or are on personal phone calls every day. I can't tell you how many times I hear complaints after a manager warns an employee about their attend
Thank You - Lily in TX
Sounds to me like the boss lacks the diplomacy to confidentially advise the employee on the the differences between performance and professionalism... most obnoxious behavior stems from a lack of maturity and 'people skills'. Ideally, this 'princess' should know the value of correction and not take it as punishment, but as an opportunity to make personal adjustments to benefit the climate of her work environment. If not, then next time hire someone who's correctable and teachable...
Thank You - workingmotherinseattle
Going to work to make a living for your family in itself is challenging. Why maintain an employee who disrupts the office dynamics and negatively impact morale? Will never understand why managers hang on tight to such destructive elements in the work place? What kind of message does it send? As long as you perform, you are licensed to do anything? So, as a parent, if our kids bring home good grades, are they licensed to do anything - break curfew, fight, etc...get real america. Thanks for
Thank You - Rick
Check'em! its that easy. I love confronting these idiots.
Thank You - Nicole
I strongly agree with Jeff Moden but if there is no significant change after that, then let go of her!
Thank You - Worker Bee
"Queen" CelinaB: Maybe others in your office don't preform as well because you're killing the office moral. If moral is high in a workplace it shows in employees work. You have a big ego problem and I doubt your work is as good as "you" think. Quit being a bully. You also say people whine in your office. Well, you seem to be whining yourself with your comment. I bet you don't have any friends either. I think you're the real loser. Better watch your back because someone (or many) that you work wi
Thank You - the office principal
Looks like you all are princes & princesses; instead of working you are wasting your time surfing the internet and posting comments on what you read. No wonder why employers are sending jobs to overseas.
Thank You - kiwi
We have a couple of princesses or should I refer to them as "drama queens." When they do a good job, they are praised by their supervisor, but they also have a tendency to stretch out their success by soapboxing how wonderful they are. However, when there's a mistake or something goes wrong, the big boss tends to find someone else to blame especially if another party is involved. They can do no wrong in his eyes.
Thank You - Reality Strikes
It must be a small-percentage phenomenon, because the place I work wouldn't tolerate that kind of behavior from anyone. There are no primping-Don's or Donna's. They simply are not tolerated.
Thank You - Frustrated with Princess
I have recently left a job because of a princess. A year ago, our entire team was transferred from one manager to another. There were 6 of us. In the first 4 months under the new manager who allowed our princess to rule, 3 people left. In the next 8 months, 2 more (including myself) left. She is the only remaining person which is what she planned. She now has the undivided attention of the manager, who let her be out of the office 47% of the time from June thru December. And they think pe
Thank You - Just do my job
Just do your job be productive. Truely hard working people do not have time to worry about what others are doing. Bully's are extremely insecure people. The bottom line is do a great job and mind one's own business. It's about the money although some people are not woth it.
Thank You - Comp Clerk
Didn't know I was that bad! Will change my ways. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You - karl
is better off of you sleep with the princess or prince..rit?...makes things run smoother
Thank You - XoXo
Our situation is worse.... The Princes/Princesses are upper management.
Thank You - stereotype
The Prince is praised as hard working and dedicated with success in mind to move up the corporate ladder. Yet the princess is the "B***h" that steps on everyone and is sleeping her way tot he top. Get real everyone - you all have a little Prince or Princess in you. Just work hard and you will be rewarded. Don't let the primodonna's around you dictate who YOU ARE. Be creative and watch them fall flat on their face when they can't do it alone. IT WORKS WONDERS.....
Thank You - Just do my job
Just do your job be productive. Truely hard working people do not have time to worry about what others are doing. Bully's are extremely insecure people. The bottom line is do a great job and mind one's own business. It's about the money although some people are not woth it.
Thank You - mk
Boss, have you witnessed this yourself, or is someone coming to you and complaining? The jealous person may be your real problem. I've had a long career, and I've seen lesser performers try to level the playing field by taking down the "stars" through backstabbing. Also,do some research on "workplace bullying"... I bet you'll see some discussions of the scenario you describe. Backstabbing is a typical "bullying" tactic, especially among women. Unfortunately, statistically the bully usually wins
Thank You - Hardo
Been in the same situation with a guy that worked at my restaurant. great sous chef.. but attitude was crap.. so last year , I got him a copy of "Get in the Kitchen, BIT@HES!" cookbook and told him to get back to his own freakin kitchen and fired his butt..google the book.. you'll see it was a great parting gift...ha!
Thank You - joysie
I have to tell you....what stuns me is reading these posts with one of the highest level of grammatical and spelling errors I have ever seen!! Perhaps if you all learned to speak, read and write English you would not have so many issues at work. Being able to get ones points across in a succinct yet thorough manner are always appreciated in today?s workplace. That may help you have a more harmonious workplace thus have a better work day all around. I am not on a soap box. I am just tired of
Thank You - Poda
I, myself, have been the "Princess" in an office full of jealous, non-go-getters. And never asked forgiveness for doing the stellar job I was hired to do. The only problem? Ended up I had a weak, starch employer who was taken aside and bought into the needy, whiners I worked with. Within 4 months, I had sold over $60,000 than three of them, developed a new department in the company and, instead of being praised, I was let go. I'll never forget being blown away as I sat in his office as he told m
Thank You - Lily in TX
Sounds to me like the boss lacks the diplomacy to confidentially advise the employee on the the differences between performance and professionalism... most obnoxious behavior stems from a lack of maturity and 'people skills'. Ideally, this 'princess' should know the value of correction and not take it as punishment, but as an opportunity to make personal adjustments to benefit the climate of her work environment. If not, then next time hire someone who's correctable and teachable...
Thank You - struggling
I'm working with a princess, too. The worst problem she is the bosses golden girl and can't do anything wrong, so the only thing that can be done is deal with it until another opportunity presents itself. Her enthusiam is fake and over the top. She likes to throw her weight around and treat others like they are idiot, when they have been in the business 3x as long as she has. As the old saying goes "one of these days . . . straight to the moon".
Thank You - Accountability
Managment must step up to hold this princess accountable for her lack of professionalism. Allowing this behavior only sets the precedent of others to follow. As a manager, is this the work environemnt you prefer? Sit her down and tell her that her behavior is causing much distress amongst staf and that if she continues to behave in this fashion she will be held accountable, despite her productivity. How would a person like this motivate her staff?
Thank You - gaia
Wow, this question must have been submitted by one of the partners in the company I work for. His assistant acts like a little spoiled princess who prances around, does nothing all day long except shop online and boss everyone around and no one can stand her. He even made her supervisor of three employees and since then those three positions have had a high turn over rate because no one can stand working with her. There is something quite degrading about someone prancing up to your desk, hand
Thank You - hard ask
Oh yeah.. been in this situation before.. there was a sous chef that worked in my restaurant.. great chef.. but really miserable to work with.. so I gave him this really hilarious, politically incorrect cookbook as a hint and it worked like a charm.. i won't tell you the name of it here cause some of you will freak out at me.. but if you search for "whipped and beaten culinary works" you can find it.. but seriously.. don't go if you can't take a joke.. but the book.. really put him in his place!
Thank You - Age discrimination
Why age discrimination is in peak today? Why companies don?t like to hire educated and experienced older people, even they can contribute better and work harder?
Thank You - Recruiter
I disagree that a prince or princess should be given so much leeway and favortism, especially in larger companies or organizations. Let them work for themselves!
Thank You - Recruiter
I disagree that a prince or princess should be given so much leeway and favortism, especially in larger companies or organizations. Let them work for themselves!
Thank You - What-ever
Want to make her quit start paying top the top seller, the one who can make the team better the team player. Don't give in to her four year old behavior. It don't look good by the investors either no one person can keep the company moving forward that is why you are here. Live and Learn. Team up or QUIT!
Thank You - Drithe Bors
These type of people are offsprings of liberal hippies. I blame the 60's and CBS, NBC, and ABC.
Thank You - well yes, i am a princess
There was a time I was like the princess...but if being a princess means that I have to run roughshod over my fellow employees because they thought they had a good idea and presented the bad idea to my boss (who must have been out of her mind that day) who agreed to their suggestion just to have me tear it apart at the same meeting and show how it would drastically affect the bottom line...so be it
Thank You - kate
she might not be "self-aware" or realize how her actions & words are perceived by others. I recommend telling her (with concrete examples) and then you'll have to wait and see if she is able to change or just doesn't care what anyone thinks.
Thank You - Mark Stevenson
I never let an employee hold my work area hostage, no matter how great they are. If they are a over achiever, great, but morale and being fair to my staff is critical.
Thank You - Have a Sucky Secretary
So what do you do then if your secretary can't show up at 8am because she says she is not a "morning person". She lies daily about being late, ie.."garage door fell off the track and I was stuck in the garage, but I fixed it"...."got pulled over by Officer Pectol, again, Im lucky its him everytime".....list goes on and on...But here is the clincher, the bosses say, "I don't dare do anything, she is the type that will sue if we let her go, and I dont want that head ache." There is not one employ
Thank You - CARBINE1
I think a talented employee is exactly what a talented employee should be treated as one for doing[it's][He or She] job. Now if certain untalented employees[not so talented] want to display LUSTFUL motives toward TALENTD employee then the not so talented should be fired.
Thank You - Over Acheiver
I performed exceptionally,, did not complain, did tasks on my own time, was never late, and typically the last to leave. I even received the best review in 5 years. The so called "team" did not accept my honest hard effort's and even told me to not work fast and stop woriking so hard all the time. I asked everyone, "why"? I studied all of the regulations and trained myself, because I was trained "WRONG" I did not complain about my training, but meetings were held because the employees traini
Thank You - Wheelbarrow
Office prince's /princess are a pain. if it weren't for the "villiagers" you wouldn't keep your job. If the Boss allows you to have that behavior then pocks on them they are the ones that create this situation in the first place.
Thank You - Angry Princess
The only thing that angers me is how hard I work for the sales/service staff and have been promised "rewards" but have yet to see said "rewards" and to further add insult to injury heard them whisper chuckle about how they got great results from what i produced for them but that they didn't have any intention of giving any reward. NO I do not need rewards to do my job that is what my paycheck is for - but projects that are either substantially larger than what goes on daily or very time sensiti
Thank You - This is not difficult
It always mattes what perspective you have on these, however none of us know the other side of this, do we? There are 2 sides to every situation. I have experienced this in my current role, and had co-workers say, dont do that or I will be expected to do that. I am not an over achiever, but a hard worker, with Christian morals. The question to the question is, what is in everyones best interests long term? A strong team is important and is all the team working toward the same goals? Likely
Thank You - lost my job 2
I think that a lot of companies turn a blind eye to this type of behavior because of the fact that the "princess" is sleeping her way to the top with the bosses family. I was railroaded by one of these little princesses because of her improper relationship. She didn't do the work, I did and she was rewarded for her lies and relationship with the bosses son. Now she isn't "allowed in the same building" instead of losing her job. I don't think that the upper management has it straight, look a
Thank You - Defense
This is the worst advice ever. As someone with experience in labor and employment law, I've seen my share of princes/princesses bring suit against their employer once they are finally terminated for their over the top behavior because the employer failed to rein them in sooner. Employees should all be held to the same professional standard, not be given an incentive for what is a component of their job.
Thank You - Fido's Mom
I wonder if that employer would have the same thoughts if it were a MAN who was a star worker but caused "morale" problem. Or would he be seen as a "strong leader" sand "role model."
Thank You - Thatjusthappened
I work with one of those people. While I and the other managers of equal position are expected to work 10 hours a day, she gets away with only working about 8 hours. We also have weekend duty every third week, but she never has to work any weekends... ever!!! She shares the same title as all of us, but is not held to the same standard, and the worst part about it is that she acts like she runs the place. Even the #2 man in charge has to pick up her slack because she does not put in the hours tha
Thank You - jealousy
People are just JEALOUS of good looking and hard working gals!!!!! I got fired just because I got the attention from others guest that would come in the company and i was hard working so the girls had to push me out of the office!!! Never missed a day of work was on time and never took long brakes. It was to the point that my own manager wouldn't talk to me. Untill the day she had me fired from the office!!!! JEALOUSY...doesn't take one to far!!! " Don't hate me because I'm Beautiful"""
Thank You - the prince
wow stop complaining about what you others get and you don't. Just do your job or go some were else
Thank You - Annelnore
In my office, we call them prima donas. Narcissism reigns supreme among them. However, their biggest weakness is an overbloated ego. No one ever lives up to their standards because the standards are deliberately set too high so that prima dona manages to look better than all the rest. In my experience, the prima donas look for excuses to be privileged. They are the ones who can't be on time, are late for lunch, take days off when they are most needed and are highly uncooperative from the standpo
Thank You - Maria
We have a manager (prince) at another facility in another state. Prince has lied and made up so much about an older woman at his facility that most of what he says is a joke. This woman is the only person at that facility that does NOT report to him and she is very smart. He is the insecure one and top management at corporate knows this. Can you say law suit? The older woman who does her job very well should be taking notes because she will have a big law suit and she will win. Management he
Thank You - coldfrog manager
A princess is a nightmare. She takes away valuable management time (and these days we are all stressed for resources) to spend one on one time with her (she wants attention). She is politically astute and 'manages' senior managers well - with crocodile tears in their offices - and asks for remote staffers to write 'thank you' notes to her, which are copied to everyone. She spends time convincing others at work who do not deal with her on a regular basis, what a hard worker she is, even though wh
Thank You - nobody you know
Any business needs to operate as a TEAM. When everyone works as a TEAM, everyone wins. The BEST SALES PERSON relies on everyone on the TEAM to do their job from an order entry person to the shipping staff and even the person who sweeps the floor. EVERYONE is a part of the TEAM. I work trade shows. I stop prospects in the aisle and draw them into the booth where I typically turn the prospect(s) over to others in the booth. If the others are busy with people I hawk in, I do the in-booth sales w
Thank You - Leslie
I was once that Primadonna, you're not doing her any favors, send her to courses, mentor her. She was probably treated special by friends and family, personally I was never held accountable. She probably thinks her behavior is acceptable and doesn't realize what is happening around her. Now being older, I'm not the youngest, the cutest, the smartest. Believe me, I wish I had a mentor to guide me.
Thank You - TEXAS EMPLOYEE
Have been working under same conditions. For one thing, family members have more privileges & are able to get away with anythinbg. Two, just because a person does the job well doesn't make it right to cause discord in the workplace. The more discomfort felt by others the less work is done. To have any individuals in an office get away with coming in late, not at all, taking longer lunches, more breaks, etc. is cause for termination in the real world of business. If an owner/manager cannot contro
Thank You - johnchau144
I totally agree w Nicole. I think if she's not a problem "kid", especially if she's not breaking the company's rule, but if she's really irritable or say the pain in the neck, then I think the boss should consider "fire" her.
Thank You - Patriot
Have a meeting with the "princess" and tell her that you appreciate, and need, the kind of work she does, and is capable of doing. BUT, you also need to "de-throne" the princess, and give her an ordinary chair to sit in, just like everyone else. If she understands that, then you should be good to go. If she continues, in spite of your warnings, then you did all you can do. Send her to the door, and replace her with someone less in love with themselves.
Thank You - is this me :(
I just realized this could be me :0 I have exceptional administration talents and walk around with a proud chip on my shoulder since I KNOW no one in THIS company can surpass my skills and abilities. The managers praise me, always seeking my help and maybe that has cause it to take me more into the selfish clouds. I didnt know it made for a bad environment and will make being more humble my new year's resolution.
Thank You - pappy
Like some others have said...bad advise. Got a bad actor, then get rid of them ASAP! No matter how "talented" the cost of keeping such people will far out weigh and percived benefit to you. Plus, if every employer did this; after about the fifth job the primo will learn the lesson needed and fix themselves. Then you won't wind up with a 50 year old spoiled princess.
Thank You - duh ... Prince$$
? "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." ? Marilyn Monroe
Thank You - William
This is a management issue. When the manager notices disruptive behavior, they need to work with all parties to resolve the problem. They don't have to like each other, but they do have to maintain a professional relationship that benefits the company. If they can't do this, they need to discipline or terminate the problem employees. Team building exercises and bonding exercises come to mind - they make me cringe, but learning to work together with your co-workers can help.
Thank You - Lily
Sounds to me like the boss lacks the diplomacy to confidentially advise the employee on the the differences between performance and professionalism... most obnoxious behavior stems from a lack of maturity and 'people skills'. Ideally, this 'princess' should know the value of correction and not take it as punishment, but as an opportunity to make personal adjustments to benefit the climate of her work environment. If not, then next time hire someone who's correctable and teachable...
Thank You - I Wonder...
Why are there more people complaining about their office princess than the office princess sticking up for herself? I think it is because they decided to get back to work and stop reading articles and Q&A discussions on the internet! Get back to work you slackers!
Thank You - Princess
Princess is apparently defined as the hardest working, most knowledgeable resource working, who knows how to not only delegate but multitask and is working with a team of lazy underachievers. Jealousy has nothing to do with physical attributes is has to do knowledge in my work environment. I work with individuals who are lack luster it really is just pure laziness and inability or a missing desire to learn how to ACHIEVE! There is a missing due diligence factor. And yes, I don't hestitate to poi
Thank You - Ann
She is likely a princess for one reason. She has been treated like one. Every office has their favorites, and it does hurt the moral of everyone if one person seems to get away with things the others can't. I have been working for over 30 years as a manager, and I've seen it many times. The hardest thing to do is be consistent with behavior and rules, but it should be done from the get go.
Thank You - Anon
My short term memory may be terrible now. I may not remember where I put my pen or parked my car? My long-term memory, however, is not all that bad is it? My critical reasoning skills are not that bad either, huh?
Thank You - Shady1
She may be more special than you know. She may be within the spectrum.
Thank You - Get Rid of a DIstraction!
Time to get real! Is the DIVA the boss or is the Boss in charge. The DIVA needs to be taken aside and her Fairy Tale life needs to disappear! There is no "i" in team. The DIVA causes more problems than she worth...good worker or not. If she wants to be a princess let her kingdom exist out side of work. Too many other people are being affected by one person!
Thank You - Office Gal
Is the BOSS the diva - thinks he can't do any wrong, etc? Half the time the Boss has no idea what they office person's job is or what they REALLY do in the course of a day - MAKING HIS JOB EASIER by doing behind the scenes work without being asked or expected. Second guessing and anticipating what needs to be done and doing it! These people are usually overworked underpaid and the "Boss" then says they have an attitude! I am in this right now. It is very stressful especially in the "old boy'
Thank You - I know you
Please remember that Kings and Queens can be dethroned. I even know of a few that lost their heads. Why would anybody be jealous, you are a worker just like they are, you are in the same office, getting a paycheck. The jealousy stuff is an excuse for your own short comings.
Thank You - Stewart
Your employees only act the way you allow them to act. Set guidelines for everyone and hold everyone accouintable. Behavior based atandards are key to the success of any business. They can be hard tio imlement but that is why we have managers - to control behaviors.
Thank You - Stuff
Yes, because it is a unprofessial distraction to the company and its look as a whole of image. Its not the place and time for diva's to expose themselves in a light as though they are in the setting of a go go bar, or lounge or some other less degrading place of business.
Thank You - 90/10
From a managerial standpoint, I spend 90 percent of my time managing 10 percent of my employees. These ten percent have many great qualities, however, and the difficulty comes with helping each of them utilize their talents for the benifit of the whole team. If there is one individual who creates havoc for the other 90 percent, then you have a problem. If that "diva" (rather a man or woman), creates a hostile work environment, then, they have to go. If not, the legalities will surpass this i
Thank You - So what?
Does she really have an attitude or do you percieve her to have an attitude b/c she is focused on her work?-- which she does well enough to gain the attention of others who appreciate what she brings to the table and she doesn't stop to worry about being liked more than being effective and productive? Sounds like this boss is demonizing someone who shines and he and others don't like the shadows
Thank You - Wonder Woman
As a manager, this is a really tough one for me. I value results and my team knows it. Therefore, I do not allow "popularity" to be the standard used to value team members, but rather outstanding performance. Normally, I have to counsel all involved to move to a more centric place, "divas not allowed, good work overrules personality quirks." Ultimately, we must get along.
Thank You - Prima Donna
Perhaps the manager is the one who should be let go. If the person aids the company in its goals, the manager with issues should be the one to find a less productive environment to work in.
Thank You - No nonsense boss
Everyone can be replaced, especially now when there are alot of qualified people out there looking for work. Even if this employee is good in certain areas its not worth bringing down the whole team for one person. All have good and bad points but when it comes to being a diva they need to go!!
Thank You - divas rule
The Diva with the high sales and attitude is this way because she has worked hard to get where she is. A man with an ego and attitude, that constantly talks himself up and boasts is not considered a threat to the company. Yet, everyone must comply to his attitude and bow down when he again speaks ever so highly of himself and his sales. It's a shame the Diva is so disrespected. Women should support women and give her an AMEN and a GO GIRL GO! Instead, they opt to go against the powerful woman a
Thank You - cpro
You will spend way too much time feeding this beast. Calculate how much you are investing in keeping this employee reined in, morale on an even keel, putting out the fires in their wake and compare to what is being brought in. More often than not, they will not be worth the trouble.
Thank You - Lady Nina
Wow! This describes an individual in my work environment perfectly. She was very talented and good at what she did but she was one nasty *%&#$ and not easy to work with at all particularly in her attitude toward her co-workers. Ultimately, when layoffs became a necessity, she did not make the cut, and even though the workload is heavier, the atmosphere is much more enjoyable.
Thank You - sensible1
Hello, I once had a job and believe me I know how it is, when the supervisor and thee emplyee are best of friends.The supervisior knows thee employee is bossy and allows her to get away with it and between the both of them they both devise ways to bully thee employees eintil they get fired.They are very slick and crafty about it and know one knows the wiser and so that was because where I work, so many were getting fired and quitting their jobs.!.it will take God to remove the irriatnts and the
Thank You - Glad To Be Gone
I worked with a diva/beach/nightmare at a firm for many years. She worked for the top dog and he thot he could not live w/out her because he was hard to work for. She set the tone for the office: she was jealous of other women because she was unhappily married, fat & unattractive. She picked on the girls who were attractive, dressed nicely, had sweet personalities, etc. She would organize office "gangs" and "they" would gang up on the other girls in the office. I also caught her telling lies
Thank You - KARMA
Even though it is hard to deal with day in and day out, alwways know that karma will get them in the end. Everyone unfortunately has or is working with one right now. That person will get brought back to reality sooner than later!!! Just hang in there to watch it unfold, you will be glad you did!!
Thank You - ladiegem
Review her job description and update a section on interpersonal skills that are required and interacting with co-workers professionally. If she is a star performer, once you show her the updated JD she more than likely will make it her business to comply.
Thank You - Annie
9 out of 10 times the person who are bothered by what they deem a "diva" are just jealous either of her abilities and talents at work or the fact that she is very attractive, or both. If the woman is a good employee otherwise and you say she does a great job. Keep her and have a talk with your other employees and maybe point out some of their good points to boost their morale. Good workers are hard to find and getting rid of one because the other employees resent her is dispicable.
Thank You - Deedee
I work with one of these and pray every day that she will be brought down! We interviewed her prior to being hired and several of us confirmed that she would not be a good fit for our organization. She was hired anyway and it has been a nightmare. Her bad behavior is tolerated by our boss who rarely sees her. She has alignated others in the organization and at corporate. We are constantly doing damage control. We have brought this to the attention of the boss and were told in no uncertain
Thank You - outraged!!!
I work with a woman just like this. Trust me she knows that she's a handful. We have had my repeat customers call me personally and tell me how bad she has treated them. We have had department meetings, employees that want to have their schedule changed so that they don't have to work with her, excellent employees that can manage to be nice and productive to leave all together, going to those in authority with multiple complaints only to be told that they just don't know what to do! WHAT!!!!!??
Thank You - sharing an office w diva
It's easy to set back and say that she adds some daily interest to the company, but really what is she adding...discontenment. I work in the exact same office as a diva and it's hard, only what she says, thinks and does is ALWAYS correct. Really, while she is "thriving and bringing in business", you are losing other hard working employees. Bring down the team morale and not wrangling her in, will hurt the company as a whole, and who likes going to an office daily and not enjoying work. Not sayin
Thank You - stop hating
I guess I would be considered an office diva, with that being said. I come to work just for that purpose. I do have to know everyone's personal business. I am cordial but I spend my time at work to be productive and make money. I have noticed that a lot of people have issues with that because someone like me raises the standard for others. All I can say is "STEP YOUR GAME UP",
Thank You - marta
Take it from me a diva is some one with class,and sure of her self and does not put anyone down . If she does her job right that's good and is kind to every one that's good..................... but if she is mean and dirty to people then she.s got an attitude problem .................... she was probably a little princess at home and think's everyone is going to deal with it .......best thing to do is be straght with her tell her she ias annoying and to leave it at home .
Thank You - ImdaKing
What a bunch of lemmings !! 80% of the comments are cube-drones complaining about the one person in the office they really most want to be like - but are too afraid. Everyone wants to feel special and everyone wants to be recognized. Fact of the matter is "diva's", "princes", "office mayors" - whatever, really make an office interesting and can provide a valuable measuring stick for junior employess or the less talented. If you get rid of the current one.. the lemmings will just choose another
Thank You - balanced person
Teamwork and other social skills are skills that should be evaluated as well, sounds like your diva is underperforming in this case. 2011 and beyong has no room for pure individual thinker with no or little social aptitude.
Thank You - sugardaisy
I have encountered this problem from time to time with employees. If the person has a bit of a chip on their shoulder but is kind, not condescending, and plays well with others, I ignore it. If, however, the person has a big attitude, is way full of themself and upsets other employees....I will give them a talking to and lay it out. I will tell them that they are performing the job well but there is more to it than that. They can either turn their attitude around or they are gone. There is
Thank You - wow
This says a lot about the mindset of mediocrity: ( a quote from another post) 2011 and beyong has no room for pure individual thinker with no or little social aptitude. Group think will reduce your overall company to the lowest common denominator because the "crowd" is typically allergic to work. If this person is REALLY that bad, they may be an entrepreneur in a corp world, not a good fit for either of you.
Thank You - qwest
simply put the brakes on before she has everyone else in there acting like her, thinking it is ok to do so, before you one day get hit with a harrasment lawsuit against your company. Becareful now adays while you work hard to make you money , there is someone else breaking his or her head thinking how to take it away from you. my advice put an end to it,
Thank You - Hoot
I get so tired of some small minded individuals telling other people to "stop hating" when they hear opnions they don't agree with. It's a weak attempt to tell people to shut up that comes from a few in our society who need to GROW up.
Thank You - "suck up" in my office
There's a diva in my office that has the lowest sales in the department, but sucks up to the boss so she (the boss) creates awards for her. I understand a diva that produces high numbers, but not one that has very low sales!~ My boss is crazy, that's another story.
Thank You - Rocket Power
A machine is only as good as the sum of its' parts. There is no point in having a super charger if the rest of the engine is not up to the task. You'll just end up killing the engine.
Thank You - Been there
She' s not worth the turmoil she is creating on the team A truly valuable employee can be a star without having to be the "princess", or queen bee. Lay down the law, and soon, or you will lose your other valuable employees.
Thank You - Better employees
She is rocking the boat because she is doing her job. Let the others leave and hire more people who will work harder, sounds like time for a new more motivated team.
Thank You - More descripton necessary
You say she is a "diva" and rubs everyone around her the wrong way...what exactly is she doing to be classified as a "diva" and what is she doing to rub everyone the wrong way? There are probably some in the workplace who are like her who don't even realize they are doing anything wrong.
Thank You - spotlight
These days it's almost a curse being attractive and smart.
Thank You - unfairly fired
I worked with someone like this; when I complained, guess who got fired on false allegations? Is there any laws to protect a person from workplace bullies? How do I get any help?
Thank You - Rikki
there is an employee in my office who is in a salary position. she never works a 40 hour work week. She is always leaving for lunch after she has eaten on office time. she ia always crying any time these things are brought to her attention. What should i do?
Thank You - bullied
I was a hardworking productive employee and friendly, but mainly focused on my work because of its volume. An employee in another section pulled me aside and warned me it was obvious that the others in my section along with the female manager were extremely jealous, particularly because I am attractive. The female manager harassed me on a daily basis for years, sometimes about the way I walked or stood, and would comment on my clothes and seemed to be competing with me. I always dressed well in
Thank You - ?????
The answer to this question is STUPID! It basically says reward her and make her job easier.
Thank You - learn your role
somehow, I think Michael Jordan would disagree with all the people who said one player isn't bigger than the team. The other parts of the team have to...KNOW your role!! simple enough.
Thank You - The other side
I am someone who has been thought of in this way and feel that that there is always two sides to a situation and we are only hearing one. Sometimes insecurity on the part of a supervisor or other coworkers, that may even become abusive discrimination, is an excuse for feeling that the individual they are targeting acts like a princess or better than they are. The fact may be that the so called "Princess" is just trying to do a good job and because burnout coworkers just come to work to sociali
Thank You - AZgirl
I agree with a lot of the comments....Any management/leadership that allows "1" person to get away with destroying morale, is destined for failure. I work with a "princess" and even though more than 4 employees have presented their concerns to management, nothing has happened. This is a no win situation...Write your resignation letter and move on to bigger and better things...
Thank You - works for a Princess
I was hoping that my department head was writing this about my supervisor-at least then i'd know that the problem had been recongnized! any suggestions for a supervisee that absolutely cannot open this sort of much needed dialogue with The Princess?
Thank You - Anon
The label "princess" because: 1) She won't go out partying with you at local bars? (She didn't drink at all and now rarely drinks.) 2) She never did her homework during work hours? 3) She didn't like it when others threw medications across the room and yelled "Score!" 4) She didn't like it when coworkers played loud music. She never complained to the manager about you yahoos either! She froze and didn't know what to do when a male coworker turned up the volume on the music. His manager turned it
Thank You - Anon
I am happy I quit the workplace. If the workplace puts up an ugly poster and everyone knows it's about me, then I'm happy to stay home with my two kitties. As I said, firing the princess would have been a blessing if everyone truly hated her. I think I was also the clown. Can someone be both the clown and the princess? My coworker told me (while training me) to run into some doctors with my cart. It seemed like a harmless thing to do and he seemed eager to have me do it. So I just bumped them
Thank You - sensible1
It pays to have God in your life because God will fight your battles for you, I am a witness.!!
Thank You - Anon
I suppose that when my "fiance" says to me, "You're hard to torture!" I should have realized that he wasn't even my friend--let alone a fiance. "I'm hard to punish?" Punish for what? I have never stolen from my employer. I have never taken illegal drugs. I have never come to the workplace drunk. I have never come to the workplace intent on ruining everyone's day. When I worked 12 days in a row-- had to sit down on the 12th day. I was never informed that I made any serious errors. I always alway
Thank You - koz
I've heard "Thre's no 'I' in team"; but I've also heard "But there is an 'm' and an 'e' and that spells 'me'! " - which reminds me that there always seems to be an "I" leading the team (regardless of what we say, there is ultimately one person making the final decisions and (hopefully) taking responsibility for those decisions)
Thank You - MY
Do they not like her work or her SWAGGER??!! No HATERS ALLOWED!!
Thank You - GetReal
Why not counsel her/him? Tell them their attitude needs a little tweaking. Give them a chance to improve.
Thank You - Been the princess.
Could it be that the "princess" just wants what is best for the company and the other employees do not? I have been the princess. I truly tried to like these people and had only the good of the company on my mind. The other employees were jealous of me. They constantly looked at "EVERYTHING" I did and tried their best to find mistakes I made. Sometimes it felt as if the boss put me in this situation as his inside person. He would call me if he was out of the office and question me about ea
Thank You - justathought
I've been in management and worked around several "Diva" style personalities. The Diva may do an excellent job, but if she is destroying the morale of many other employees, then in the end she is hurting overall production. Everyone else on the team would most likely work harder without the constant distractions caused by a Diva. Counsel her and if that doesn't work, get rid of her.
Thank You - danghertime
So she's an A student with attitude. It will be OK ..No special treatment necessary.....Bottom line a crew of average joes are usually ,consistant long range work horses and will be perfectly capable of letting her know the problem without pulling the boss into the pan. Your diva will conform to the norm around her or move on on her own...
Thank You - Mahmood Bajwa
Targets are the back bone of the company but moral and coworker respect is an other strong element to keep staff motivated and loyal. Dont loose her but just educate him softly regarding office decourum and mannars. This should be done by the boss. Also arrange a drama by using some caractors working under her. Give them full confidence that during her bad behaviour dont hounor (Abidby) her orders. Untill and unless she forced to use soft behaviour and manners. This would definatly change her
Thank You - wtstrades
The team has to be more important than any individual employee. If the star doesnt respond to a quiet word to change then s/he must go. How can you sure that they will stay and be loyal to the boss /job any way ? If s/he is misbahaving to the other staff it is only a matter of time b4 it gets round to the boss' turn.
Thank You - onlyatspec
A "princess" though she thought, was hired into my department and it resulted in me hiring an attorney because of what she was doing and how she was treating other staff members. She was finally fired, I resigned and several left. The department is still trying to rebuild after 5 years. Was there, done it, those types are not worth trying to change. You can't change evil.
Thank You - Multiphonics
Ugh. I'm acting like a drama queen hoping they WILL get rid of me at the next layoff cycle. For some reason they laid off the hardest working employee with the best attitude instead.
Thank You - been-there
me-n-you is completely correct. All about the personality, not about the job or environment. Get rid of her -- or him -- as soon as you can.
Thank You - Robert
We have a princess in our office. She has most of the men in the plant on speed dial and had an affair with one of the big bosses from corporate. She is almost 40 and acts like a 20year old. As soon as things get too hot for her (people complaining) she cries and says we don?t understand her. We understand fine?.Karma will come back to bite her and her boss.
Thank You - TropicsGuy
My workplace has a princess, only if she's truly as "talented" as she and the boss think she is, the rest of us can't tell because she never gets anything done. She has a few permanent assignments that she uses as excuses for everything, and she stretches other tasks months longer than she should. Boss acknowledges her "lack of people skills" and he's tried the suggestions in the article, including "daily stroking", which makes her diva-ness even worse, bribing her with extra perks, which she
Thank You - CelinaB
I am not only the Princess here, I am the Queen. I don't stand for lame excuses and absolutely despise finger-pointing. The boss realizes my value when he asks questions and I offer ideas on how I can do a better job - all without worrying about the losers and whiners around me. We have many employees who are not only poor performers, their concept of team is "my way or the highway" and it shows in their work product. If I am given a task to complete, I determine how to get the job done the
Thank You - Comp Clerk
Didn't know I was that bad! Will change my ways. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You - fedup
what a statement j , seems to me you're a so called princess yourself. saying something is one thing but to be in the situation and on the receiving end is something else. What makes you think that no one else works and thay all wine about it?
Thank You - MellyMel
I'm the princess in my office, but I get my work done and no one else is ever called upon because I'm slacking off. I work for a difficult and high maitenance boss -every single person in our office tries to avoid him for the most part, from the office administrator to senior management, and my co-workers have come right out and told me they're glad I work for him and not them. I know what I can get away with and don't push it, and I don't rub anyone's nose in it which I think plays a big par
Thank You - Ed
We have a woman who spends much of her time getting out of working and likes to play the poor me card, anything for sympathy? My husband left me with three kids, my boyfriend doesn?t understand, She wastes her time and talent on her acting but she is cute and the boss loves eye candy. He keeps things innocent ? and tries to tell everyone he feels sorry for her. Some way to run a shop!
Thank You - Cinderella
I work at a job which I truly love. Problems arise from other staff because they don't enjoy their job as much. I am not a princess but I get the job done, go up and above what others will do because those are my work ethics! I dont expect favors for doing MY JOB! If those who continually worry about someone getting ahead of them would get off their butts, work when no one is looking, take few breaks, and STOP playing games with at work, they might enjoy the satisfation of a job well done!
Thank You - HR manager Princess
Go over their heads. Anonomous letters to the CEO/president and or board of directors can work wonders. I did for me. Once the complaints started coming in, the big wigs started looking into the 'concerns' and the Princess in question ran before getting fired.
Thank You - UC Lady
Personally, I'd can the princess. Drive or no drive, the company cannot survive on her work alone, and that's how it will end up if she doesn't stop acting like God's Chosen One in the office. It's not fair to the other employees to have to suffer this obnoxious and venomous individual. Let the brat find out how it looks from the unemployment side.
Thank You - P****d Off!
I work with a Princess, we're in the same dept, but this one does as little as possible and complains when asked to take on extra work, as it gets in the way of the time when she sits watching videos on the computer or talking to friends and relatives on the office phone! So, guess who gets all the extra work, while I have to sit here and watch her do nothing, talk about frustrating!! As for rules, you'd think we don't have any and the boss thinks she's great!!
Thank You - guestman
I have, luckly, had a secretary similar to the one "Workedwith1" has. Althought I am the BOSS but she decide her working schedule, arriving and leaving time. She does not want to be under the admin officer and wants to be under my direct supervision to avoid the admin manager and to be absent when I am not at the office; out station. Many complains about her but no one dire to put this compalins to me in writing! The problem is that she was nice with me before I was promoted to be the boss. You
Thank You - no brainer....
y reward someone for being a butthead? firmly tell her that while being able to get work done in the office quickly and efficiently is important, creating and maintaining good relationships with co-workers is equally as important. if for some reason she cannot find time to do both, then u will have to find a replacement for her. duh
Thank You - ex princessnow boss
it's pretty simple set the princess down and have a difficult conversation about her princess behavior. If she can learn to get along with the team and still perform at a high level she's worth keeping if not; then have a conversation about that. If she does well after the first conversation then envolve her in mentoring therest ofthe team and reward her for the increase in her team mates numbers. firing someone is always the last resort. It cost a lot to hire and train employees. if the boss ca
Thank You - dishduck
are you talking about me? I've gone from princess to b*tch in my 30 yrs in the workplace. I get the work done, but annoy everyone around me. I wish it was different, I always end up back at self employed. My problem was that I helped every one who needed it and got nothing back. The bosses took credit for my work and threw me under the bus.
Thank You - gearhead
When people think they're all that, they are the one's that lose in the end. It is in best interest to talk to HR on the person to have the matter corrected. When more than one person has a complaint of the same person, the person changes for the better or leaves. I've won & lost on this situatition. I've had companies call me back but turned them down for the fact of finding something better. Even now, a company I worked for has called me back from 10 years or longer and turn them down. I just
Thank You - Manager
The truth is that there are A, B and C players. The A players do most of the work - that's the fact. The B players get their jobs done. And the C players - they complain about the preferential treatment of the A players -- meanwhile doing only what they are told, exactly when they are told (worst kind of employee, but hardest to fire!). Feed your A players. Fire the C players when you can. Do what you can to make the B players become A Players.
Thank You - Well Oiled Team
We had a princess once, and let her go and now the office is much more organized and runs like a weel oiled team should.
Thank You - newportnews
For Victoria:Princess, if you work in higher education, and are so far superior to your co-workers, it might behoove you to learn how to spell...it's "sheer" fact, not "shear" fact! Maybe you aren't as perfect as you think, eh?
Thank You - Down to Earth
I have to disagree with the original solution of "feed the need" and "daily stroking". We have a "princess" in the office and that is exactly why a "princess" would feel like a "princess" .Everytime this person does something and is acknowledged for it and even a simple "thank you" makes he head get 3 times the size it should be and we all cringe because we know that she will now be an even bigger seemingly "know-it-all" "can do no wrong" type of person. To her credit, she can be helpful but no
Thank You - Jellybean
Depends on her position. If she's part of a team, and far exceeds the entire team's performance, then the team needs to be looked at, rebalanced or refocused so that they perform at her level. However, if she's just one member of an entire office, and the rest of the office does perform well, then yes, she needs to go. There are too many people out there who can fill her spot. Correcting low morale at a company is huge task and can make or break a manager.
Thank You - Guest
To CelinaB: WOW!!! You really do have a high opinion of yourself dont you!! No wonder people in the office cant stand you...I guess your one of those who havent yet heard that NO ONE is indespensible!!! All I can say is "Thank God the rest of the office isnt as self rightouse and indignant as you!!!
Thank You - Prince$$
"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." ? Marilyn Monroe
Thank You - Oh My
To Victoria, working in "higher" education: It's a SHEER fact that you can SHEAR a sheep for its wool. True office royalty tends to catch these things. Perhaps that ADVANCED degree would help you become an office queen.
Thank You - Muffin Man
There's "someone" in our office, as well, who likes to halt the flow of business just so the rest of us are forced to pay attention to her "problems". No one works harder that her, shows up earlies or leaves later (not true in the slightest!), or is in tighter with the boss lady...Little does she know that even she is on to her lazy antics. The ENTIRE building is sick & tired of picking up her muffin crumbs!!!
Thank You - That's me...oh no
I tend to break rules, knowing that I have great job security (no one else knows the programs the company uses). But the most important thing that my boss has keep in mind and made clear to me, is that, some of those rules are okay to be broke as long as it doesn't make the jobs of others harder and hinder their job performance. If me being late for work keeps someone else from doing a good job then it's completly unacceptable.
Thank You - BibiBMore
@GD. I am experiencing the same feelings with my husband's co-workers. The boss doesn't do a thing and no one is saying anything about it!
Thank You - To Owned my own business
You hit it on the mark. However, I don't believe most bosses have what it takes to deal with difficult people. They'd rather just sit back and "let them work it out" or, if they have a sick demeanor, watch the sparks fly. Unfortunately, this just erodes the respect the bosses could and should have as well as the reducing overall production. Seems like a simple "duh" answer, but not too many are strong enough to stand up to such wanna-bes.
Thank You - joey spikes
I was once a prince, untill floor personel complained about my attitude. My boss made it simple, learn to work with others or look for work elsewhere. Amazing how the floor personel grew in intelligence overnight.
Thank You - Jackson Brown
If she won't respond to verbal stroking, stroke her physinclly with a kick out the door. Good sales and bad behavior do not work together. The almightly dollar is not everything (it's most things in business - but not at the expense of other good workers rsponding poorly or worse - resigning). Resentment will shine and take over, then you'll have more problems to deal with, and who has time for that? She's probably in her twenties so has no idea what professionalism is and she probably is g
Thank You - Just me
I have to disagree with the original solution of "feed the need" and "daily stroking". We have a "princess" in the office and that is exactly why a "princess" would feel like a "princess" .Everytime this person does something and is acknowledged for it and even a simple "thank you" makes he head get 3 times the size it should be and we all cringe because we know that she will now be an even bigger seemingly "know-it-all" "can do no wrong" type of person. To her credit, she can be helpful but no
Thank You - newportnews
For Victoria: Princess, if ou work in higher education, and truly feel you are so superior to your co-workers, then it may benefit you to learn how to spell...it's "sheer" fact, not "shear" fact! Perhaps you are not as superior as you thought, eh?
Thank You - armandog
We also have the same kind of princess, but she is the manager and in way to control what she does not know she hired two people to provide the control over the others. She relying constant in those to people opinion instead of all group. She manipulates the true in her advantage and only those that she relying ware right on their opinions. She creates antitrust environment between colleagues.
Thank You - The Truth
I am the office princess and I don't even have to sleep with management... I LOVE getting away with it! I come and go whenever i please and do what i want. No one in this office has the courage to say anything because they are intimidated by me!
Thank You - princess or tyrant
ugh, i live next to what might be a princess at her job but in reality is probably a tyrant. she is a tyrant at home. a tyrant with neighbors. and i really feel for anyone who has to work with her. i do not know why people coddle folks like this. let them suffer the natural consequences for their actions. then, and only then, they might change upon realizing how deceitful and arrogant they are.
Thank You - Johnson
A very brave employee apporached me about our "princess", the daughter of a very close freind. After the wool had been removed from my eyes, and some descret investigation and after a call to my freind, I fired the princess with a letter outlining the results of my investigation. Life became instantly better and more efficent in the office and company. In this economy, a company cannot afford to promote friction by yielding to the whims of the princess employee.
Thank You - tarsonwas
You will never get your boss to be rational while he has visions of her sugerplums dancing in his head... She is using her appeal as a weapon and a tool to get ahead. come on people you know exactly what the issue is. The only way to get ahead is to point out his wrong doings to his superior and possibly his wife. These type of people can be defeated very easily with a little "teamwork" and a little modern tech. god day people cheers
Thank You - Prince of Profit
Give the stars a raise, suggest the rest find other work. It has taken me 15 years to build an empire of hot-shots. They understand eachother and don't fuss about eachother having an over-grown ego and my non-traditional way of saying "Oh, she bothers you? then step up or step out because you made me $1 last year, she made me $325k". This approach is very stressful, but, they do not whine about eachothers skills, the compete and grow to new heights. Go blue collar if you can not perform, 90%
Thank You - Joley
a "princess" is someone who has special treatments in the office by sleeping with the manager
Thank You - #1
We have an office princess at my job and boy oh boy, she does NOTHING AT ALL... spends all day on google maps. As soon as 10am rolls around she is out of work for the rest of the day and the worst part about this arrangement is that the boss has tons and tons of work to be done and he does nothing but throws it on other who are already tied up with work. She walks around the office in the skimpiest clothes, takes every opportunity to flirt with the boss, regardless of the fact that he is married
Thank You - Ms Fixit
We have Royalty among us, but in the true sense, only does the tasks she likes and the elast amount. Talking to customers that have more than one issue, make the customers, "needy or difficult". If a male customer takes more than five minutes, then said customer is "hitting" on her. She does what she wants, when she wants. Then others have to come and do "clean up" detail for her incompetence. What to do? Have a boss who will not have blinders on and doesn't get snowed, otherwise the reall
Thank You - offset
Give me an entire crew of "over achiever's" over the pale whiney coombya miscrients whom don't realize that performance and bottom line make the mark in business. As a matter of fact I do. They require more management but when your crew blows the doors off of all the others, it's bound to be seen in the old paycheck. No problem there and that is a big reason to go to work each day. So we can afford to live and play well.
Thank You - johnson
Document, Document, Document!! The brave employee that reported my"princess" had kept a written journal with dates, times and observations. I had no leg to stand on. Even though the "princess" was the daughter of a friend, busness is busness. Out she went.
Thank You - Aprincess
I agree with Manager: Feed A players, turn B players into A players, and get rid of C players. Give me a high maintenance employee who is creative, driven, focused and kicks a** over an average worker. Work is not family, we don't all need to love each other. Everyone has value in life, but some create more value in the workplace. They should reap the benefits of this value. Socialism brings us all to the lowest denominator.
Thank You - Super Princess
All you have to do is be up front with the individual who is acting out of terms with the rules and morale. I know that once I had a rotten attitude and thought it was ok and no body would say anything, but the personel were becoming fed up with the attitude and confronted in peaceful terms and explained what drama was being created. The rest is simple I tried to change my ways so I wouldn't have a lynch mob on my neck and things worked themselves out.
Thank You - very funny
well celinab you might be the queen but guess wat ur boss is pimping u and you work for someone who can fire you at a blink of an eye so keep thinking ur the queen of the job you may not have it tomorrow lmao now me on the other hand I am the king of my own business and i dont have to worry about working for someone else making them all the money while you have to work long hours cant take a vacation when you want or spend the time with ur family and friends when you want. yup ur stuck in the ra
Thank You - very funny
well celinab you might be the queen but guess wat ur boss is pimping u and you work for someone who can fire you at a blink of an eye so keep thinking ur the queen of the job you may not have it tomorrow lmao now me on the other hand I am the king of my own business and i dont have to worry about working for someone else making them all the money while you have to work long hours cant take a vacation when you want or spend the time with ur family and friends when you want. yup ur stuck in the ra
Thank You - WiseGuy
HEY PRINCES AND PRINCESSES. Stick your finger in a glass of water, then remove your finger from the water. Did you see how long it took the water to fill the hole? That's how long it will take to replace you. You're a dime a dozen.
Thank You - "princess" is relative
We're snowed in so I've read all 7 pages of comments. It has been interesting to watch the authors adjust the traits of this princess. At first I thought the question referenced me because the princess was described as talented and hardworking (but rubbed people the wrong way)...so I wondered "do I rub people the wrong way? Is that why I'm acused of breaking rules when I haven't?" Also the Answer described the princess as doing well in sales as I do, but having an attitude (do I? Is that what p
Thank You - get 'r done
You are going about this all wrong. Find the priincess and the boss stroking her and UNLOAD them both. the princess wants notability. Give her and the boss some corporate rope and generally (with a little help from the people that DO work) she will Hang herself. The boss will go with her too. In our office there are 4 of us that have been there forever and have in the past 3 yrs. removed all the princesses the bosses have brought in and best part is the bosses went right w/ them. Next up, the re
Thank You - Belinda
I think a lot of companies feel the need to hang on to people for fear they will pay more in unemployment and severance pay than the employee is worth. It is sad that in this economy with so many good people needing a job, that the crud is still allowed to keep their jobs.
Thank You - sting
Seems this Qand A hit a nerve with some employees. Yes you maybe high output energetic and get more work done but the attitude brings everyone else down. I have seen it and been there. Tone the atttitude down, respect everyone and everyone will perform better bringing the company overall higher performance. That is what its about not that you do the most work and are the top performer.
Thank You - lisa
I think you should fire her right on the spot man i will not feel bad for any body like that do what you have to do get her out the door .
Thank You - eyes wide open
I work in a place were the "team" (new hires) stroke the bosses ego so he is blind to their lack of talent, late and absentness while the boss is away. All the while this "team" only have eachothers back while they lie about what really goes on, and scape goats the few of us that are actual honest and are trying to make the business successful and keep the high name we scapegoats killed ourselves to create. So then the flashlight is not on them. When business realize it is less about soci
Thank You - armandog
We also have the same kind of princess, but she is the manager and in way to control what she does not know she hired two people to provide the control over the others. She relying constant in those to people opinion instead of all group. She manipulates the true in her advantage and only those that she relying ware right on their opinions. She creates antitrust environment between colleagues.
Thank You - Aprincess
I agree with Manager: Feed A players, turn B players into A players, and get rid of C players. Give me a high maintenance employee who is creative, driven, focused and kicks a** over an average worker. Work is not family, we don't all need to love each other. Everyone has value in life, but some create more value in the workplace. They should reap the benefits of this value. Socialism brings us all to the lowest denominator.
Thank You - KQ
Princess means Princess, If an employee is doing extra ordinary work compare to other employees, she should be given this liberty and by the way, a good healthy competetion amongs employees makes an organization grow..........
Thank You - pandoramn
I'd like to know what is meant by "princess behavior". Is it someone who is always on time, works hard, eats lunch at their desk so they can continue to answer the phone, etc. while everybody else schmoozes in the break room? Maybe her "royal" behavior is just that - while everyone else is catching last night's football game on cable and making nasty jokes about the cheerleaders, the princess is keeping herself apart from it...not because she thinks she is better. She knows it's inappropriat
Thank You - Rick
Check'em! its that easy. I love confronting these idiots.
Thank You - Ted
And what happens when the prince/princess IS the boss
Thank You - TEXAS EMPLOYEE
Have been working under same conditions. For one thing, family members have more privileges & are able to get away with anythinbg. Two, just because a person does the job well doesn't make it right to cause discord in the workplace. The more discomfort felt by others the less work is done. To have any individuals in an office get away with coming in late, not at all, taking longer lunches, more breaks, etc. is cause for termination in the real world of business. If an owner/manager cannot contro
Thank You - Karen
We have a Bully- Prince in our office. One day he seemed so nice, I asked him why and he said I need to keep my enemies close, since I was the enemy I watched everything I did. My boss from another location asked me to do something ? research ? the Prince announced in a public meeting that I was snooping. The president knew my assignment and put the Prince in his place. The office has been very quiet lately.
Thank You - supervisor
Work the princess out of her job, and you will find morale will improve to the point that others will have made up for any lack of business/income the princess would have provided.
Thank You - Comp Clerk
Didn't know I was that bad! Will change my ways. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank You - OfficeDrama
I think you should fire her, there are plenty of people looking for jobs that are talented and can bring in sales. It isn't worth putting your entire staff under stress/office drama because of one person. Or, get her under control and let her know that her job is on the line if she doesn't stop her poor office behavior and don't give her the opporunity to throw anyone else under the bus, because she most definately will. I hate women like this, they can so easily ruin a great place to work.
Thank You - JP
A business that allows a "princess/prince" to have her/his way also displays weak or ignorant leadership. If the wrong kind of leadership exists, the competent worker may NEVER get the recognition or credit he or she rates. Time to look for a place where your work is appreciated and credited fairly to you. In the real marketplace changing jobs because of a "princess" or dopey management (of which there is plenty around) is not a coward's way out. Staying likely will be a deadend for your career.
Thank You - Mgr
In this day and age it is important to be a team player instead of a lone-wolf superwoman/superman. While the work may be good the atittude needs to be addressed. It time to talk to the "princess" and let her know that despite her stellar performance this atitude would not be tolerated. Also it would help to send her for some training in being a team player.
Thank You - Not working hard
Maybe we all should be working right now? They never can just get along.
Thank You - i am a princess
exscuse me, but i am a princess, i do get away with things, but its because at the end i get the work done not like the other "villegers" as one person commented, who dont get work done and just sit around reading magazines.. I can do my work with the help of others. I may get there late to work and not count against me, but customers and other employees are happy with my production because they are treated with respect. I do not sleep around with the boss either. I am treated like a princess be
Thank You - Jabitha
Ooooh, Carbine, did this strike a little close to home?
Thank You - EGGnHZFACE
i too worked in a company that a had a princess. The owner of the company hired his SO CALLED sales girl/receptionist on, what he considered LOOKS, with seriously not an ounce of experience working in an office. I know, to some of you it sounds like jealousy, but not a chance... ON SO MANY LEVELS. As with any job your hired for, i brought a professional attitude and very high work ethics, she had not. She played the "DITSY" part with the boss man and I was left doing HER work and mine! At t
Thank You - Susan
Try cross training - give a complaning emploee the job of the Princess and give the princess the employee's job. It will all come out well in the end
Thank You - typical princess comment
Hey Jealousy - are you sure you're so beautiful? Are you sure you're so good? I can't believe you could have been that good - you don't even know how to spell - you never took long "brakes?" Really? Brakes? Do you know the difference between brakes and breaks? Give me a break - you got fired because you have attitude and you're incompetent.
Thank You - New World
It's a new world folks, and a new way of doing business. Get the job done, make the sales and as long as it's ethical/legal then the other workers need to worry about their own bottom line. If they start pulling the numbers the "princess" is, then they can enjoy the same perks too. If not, they can sit at their desk feeling jealous and unworthy, and it's their own attitudes that are creating the negative office environment, not the "princess" and the perks she is enabled because of her work. Mo
Thank You - Helen
I work for a state agency and its amazing what people get by with. I have over 25 years of experience in my field. Yes, I am considered the old lady of the bunch. I am willing to help and teach anyone the knowledge I have but the younger ones think they know everything anyway. Believe me, I not only work with Princess' but also alot of Princes. They are the worst.
Thank You - Replaceable
For those of you who think your performance gets you a free pass... NO ONE is irreplaceable. Your antics are being tracked and eventually you'll wear down even the most patient of management. There are hundreds of new you's waiting to become you. This is an employers market.
Thank You - sanantonian
When an employee causes havoc and brings down morale, it's time to let them go. NO INDIVIDUAL is worth losing customers over!! Allowing this primadonna to be condescending to fellow workers doesn't work!! The boss/owner needs to realize that it's his WORKERS who are bringing in the business, treating his customers right, giving them good service--when the primadonna berates a worker in front of customers, criticizes a worker's efforts to do good work to make herself look good, takes credit HE
Thank You - L
I beleive that there are people out there that are all self consumed. They must feed their needs in their environment and extract as much as they can for themselvers. however, te other employees who abide by the rules have to put up with this, it doesn't go unnoticed. The personality, who thinks no one can exist without them or be as smart as they are and control their environment to their specifications is everywhere and in every company. We rely on management put in controls and contain thi
Thank You - Happy I quit
I dealt with the same crap. As peers in the org chart. One of us did all the work while the other ran in to the boss' office countless times each day. About a year ago she got promoted and since then the three best techs have all walked out. Keep your princess. 3 out of 3 of us are now working for better companies and have received substantial raises. All three of us would have stayed has she not been promoted. Praise is better than raises.
Thank You - Enough Posturing
I love how women will get on here and say, "Oh, but if a MAN did that..." Let me tell you something sisters, the pendulum swung your way a good 5-8 years ago, and its the men who have been paying the price. Stop hiding behind your "I'm an innocent little girl" routines. It doesn't work anymore. Throw the princess out of the office and do it now.
Thank You - WTF??
what kind of crazy advice is that???? who answered that question??!!! Employees who erode morale and require "special handling" need to be handled right out the door. We have one where I work and she just wreaks havoc and discontent wherever she goes. Rules don't apply to her and our boss is weak. But guess what...there's a new sheriff in town and diva girl's days are numbered. Her hard working, rule following peers can hardly wait!!!
Thank You - Helen
I work for a state agency and its amazing what people get by with. I have over 25 years of experience in my field. Yes, I am considered the old lady of the bunch. I am willing to help and teach anyone the knowledge I have but the younger ones think they know everything anyway. Believe me, I not only work with Princess' but also alot of Princes. They are the worst.
Thank You - Been There
I can speak from experience. A top producer with this type of issue is always hurting the company more than helping it. When one person brings down moral, everyones work suffers. Get rid of her. If she cannot comply or maintain a positive work environment for everyone, she needs to go. Her attitude brings down moral, and offering special incentives, or exceptions for her will lower the moral in the office even more. Now the employees not dislike her, but they also dislike the company for allowin
Thank You - can you say cancer?
She may be hard working and talented but if she cannot run the department by her self she/he better not act like it...Its a team concept this day and age...
Thank You - rudecat
what if your boss is the PRINCE? Always right, doesn't hear a word you say and makes ALL of his employees look bad to the higher ups! Doesn't not realize he should empower not beat down.
Thank You - really!!
I bet she is not atractive,otherwise this dude wouldn't be complaining. shut up or praise her good work.
Thank You - haveone
The posted question said nothing about physical attributes. So get off the they are just jealous bit. We too have a princess. She is a moody, know it all. We are a small company, all of us are a team, we are her co-workers, not her minions. I wish the management would explain this to her. I don't want to see anyone lose their job, but respect and being pleasant go along way to making the workplace environment productive.
Thank You - fluffy9856
Management and/or owners should insure that ALL employees are treated the same. Allowing one employee special privileges (coming in late, leaving early, etc) just opens themselves up for lawsuits.
Thank You - princess boss
What happens when the boss is the princess and she works for her parents who are the owners of the company? Its a slippery slope. If your a hardworking employee putting up with a princess get out and go somewhere where your talents will be noticed. Its simply not worth the stress and pain.
Thank You - Pat
For every one of these employees, you probably have 6 non productive lazy workers. My advice (as a person in management) tell the others that they don't have enough work to do. She isn't bringing morale down, you aren't doing enough to bring it up or at minimum quell what she has (as you state) creates. Key words here, hard working, talented.... Are the "complainers" as talented or hard working?
Thank You - beentheredonethat
Maybe she doesn't realize she's coming off as a Pricess. As a new Manager in retail, I was rubbing people the wrong way. I thought I was being helpful and they thought I was being pushy. One Management training course later, I understood why others were feeling that way and learned to tailor my responses correctly. Sounds like a good opportunity for this Boss to provide valuable training. Giver her a chance to change before getting rid of her, she is a good employee after all.
Thank You - Kristen
There is no excuse for rude behavior, good performer or not. Why should this person be coddled? I'm a top performer, but treat people nicely and keep any arrogance in check due to integrity. A top performer who is rude and not corrected will not make it to the top but end up comparmentalized or pigeon-holed, which I doubt is the outcome they are looking to acheive. Why don't you have a cup of coffee and talk to this person as a supervisor, laying out the situation and where this situation is
Thank You - Boss Man
No individual player is bigger than the game itself; no one. Try to retrain your problem player in private and with professionalism. If that doesn't work, invite them to find employment where they can be "allowed to shine". Eventually the princess/ prince will bring everyone down far beyond their own worth. I have seen it to many times.
Thank You - Laid off
Worked with someone such as this. She would pout if she did not receive recognition for everything she did. She would complain each and everytime she would volunteer to do anything, while needing to be recognized for everything. She would constantly complain about others and their work trying to get them fired. She put many people at odds and seemed to hold herself high above others. Made the work environment very tense and awkward.
Thank You - learn your role
a "team" is not everyone being equal. Maybe when you're talking about 6 year old playing soccer or baseball. A team is also not a democracy, it is a hierarchy. Some People are, in fact, Better than Other people at what they do. Period. A really good "team" polices itself. If morale is so low, the rest of the "team" need to use their strength to pull the Princess back in line. Or, as I like to say--if you can do it better, by all means do so. Otherwise, play your role.
Thank You - Wow
I had the same thing my issue was there was a young inexperienced boss who let all the employees who had been there longer and who were older get away with everything like there were no rules for them... Coming in 10 mins late EVERY day and long cig breaks and then even taking there other breaks on top of it.. and due to weather a few us were 5 min late and reprimanded well when the office closed and we were all outsourced they all have new bosses and cant act that way its so nice to be under a
Thank You - No Egos in the Workplace
I am 32 years old, a female member of the so-called Me Generation. A message to my peers: grow up already, people. Women. Men. Whatever the gender, there is no room on any level of an organization for this me me me kind of s*** described above. Where I live, in PA, there is an at-will firing policy. A message to management: let her/him go if you're not going to have the intestinal fortitude to nip her/his morale-lowering behavior in the bud. Indeed, as I've experienced, one person can brin
Thank You - Patrick J
I may be the Prince but it's mainly because I'm the IT guy everywhere I go and generally a contractor for them to. Don't really come in too late; but, then again I rarely leave on time. Notice most places I go people start shutting down 30 min. prior to quitting time. Me, I work till the end. I have been called arrogant in the past and was taken by surprise. Never really considered myself arrogant, maybe too blunt and honest. Like to give the Boss the straight truth, mostly. Actually,
Thank You - Patrick J
Like to give the Boss the straight truth, mostly. Actually, the ones that called me arrogant seemed to fall back on that whenever they came across someone they didn't like. I have worked on my perception because it's hard to see yourself as others do. You know, put yourself in their shoes thing. I did recognize one negative thing and have been working over the years to change it. I tend to always say "What?" whenever asked or called. In my defense, whenever I'm addressed, it is always a
Thank You - pharmacy tech
The original question said "she" was doing nothing wrong, just doing a good job!!! It would seem to me that the co-workers felt that her good performance and work ethic made them look bad. Maybe that alone was the reason for breakdown of morale. I think it's unfair to label her "princess" unless she is taking advantage somehow...it's not her fault that she's better at the job than others. If the manager get's rid of her, it might be that she is better at the job & even the manager feels his/her
Thank You - Texas Abuse
I think it is disrespectful to other teamates and creates more Jealousy. I think people like a Princess have no respect for anyone accept themselves. No matter how good the Princess is it is not worth disrespecting your other workers . It just say you let one person get away with it and before you know it nobody respects the boss. Then you have a nightmare! Really you are not teaching the Princess anything accept that her behavior is good and she will continue to walk all over the Boss alon
Thank You - michael elohim
Maybe she "rubs everyone the wrong way" because she outshines them. Maybe her "arrogance" is an expression of the frustration that comes from having to do her own work AND that of the slackers. The real issus is how she gets along with the customers who pay the bills, not how she gets along with unproductive, jealous people. Solution: promote her! People who work hard, dress well, follow a schedule, avoid absences and lateness, take extra work, and consistently meet or surpass goals should be re
Thank You - to the princess below
In hindsight, I can objectively evaluate myself and I was a "Prince" at one of my previous jobs. I knew the products better than anyone else on the sales team, I handled the region which generated the most sales, I was respected by the field and customers, etc. etc. I also did not carefully handle my interactions with others in the company, particularly execs because I knew I was better than all the "villagers" and thought I was indispensible. Then I wondered why other less-qualified people we
Thank You - Hardrock Mgr.
As a former successfull manufacturing business owner/operator w/ up to 65 employees over a 10 year span, I encouraged the use of dual evaluations as a means to correct bad or unexceptable work habits and behavior problems, exibited by any of my employees. This worked well toward correcting and building a stong base morale and respect for supervision at all levels. All employees received an objective current evaluation of his or her work habits and efforts at least once a year, with an accura
Thank You - JeanJeanie
Eventually the Princess (or even a prine) will get the message that they deserve extra perks (since you intend to give them). Do The old praise and critisize sandwich -act like you're grooming for something better - which ,infact, you are! If the negatives don't improve - site your warning (I'd put it in writting) and let her loose! She sounds young!
Thank You - there's always that one
Theres always that one person in the work place even in your group of friends (i've noticed it) has to be center of attention. She is replaceable but does the manager have the time and effort to find and train a new her i think he should look in house first because someone else might be getting over looked (quiet-shy type) but does work the same as the princess just doesnt brag about it. It is the employers market and it doesnt matter how long you've been with the employer they can get rid of y
Thank You - Dallas
How exacly does she act? Bc maybe the princess feels her fellow co workers are just as catty and bossy and she is just trying to hold her own in a dog eat dog world! keep her bc you dont know how irraplacable someone is until you loose them and these days it's hard to find good workers that drawl in buisness and do there job great! I think that people are just jealouse and should stop spending so much time complaing and more time working.
Thank You - Dog-Eat-Dog
I bet the people commenting are the individuals who SHOULD be working while the "princess" rises to the top. Get offline and stop ranting/raving about how people treat others in ways you don't "approve." Just because she is going against status quo and not kissin' toosh does not make her a bad worker. We heard ONE side from ONE person who obviously is not fit to be a manager. Agreed about the "female" complex of innocence and "IF A MAN DID THIS," it's a bunch of bull crap. The feminist ideal is
Thank You - PrincessX
Who does this! X the princess. Office stress reduces productivity...you might want to add those lost hours up to see if the princess has you in the negative. I am experiencing an individual on staff who I say believes he is on the "family plan." It's his chumminess with the boss -- he is king stroker and it is obvious as his work ethics seem to increase when the boss is around. He drops so many balls, I sometimes wonder if he has "lost his own." I think he did something magnificent years ago a
Thank You - Cheerleader
In my office there are those who would call me the "princess." Maybe I am. But I earn it. I get solid bonuses. Lots of flex time. Lunches with the boss & clients. Why does my boss (the owner of the company) give me those benny's? Because I'm the pretty girl? No! I'm a performer. & I don't need tons of supervision. When I do have a question on a project it's an actual question. Not a fishing expedition for positive reinforcement. I also dress the part. My boss gives us a pretty casu
Thank You - Martha
You didn't state what she does exactly that qualifies her as a 'princess.' For all we know either you have all come together to speak of her that way and she is highly aware (women are not good at hiding their dislike depending on the close nature of the environment) and she has chosen to continue to excel despite what you believe about her personality. OR It's just plain another example of how women don't like successful pretty females in the office. I am guessing she is attractive, I'm sor
Thank You - The Princess
Well, well, well, talking about me again. :) Keep on talking about me, low performing intelligence lacking working hard instead of smart you. Yes you all know who you are. Simple, I can get what takes 98% of the people 9hrs of work done in 3, and best at it. It's called simple intelligence by working smart and prioritizing without brown nosing! As long as I'm on top of my game, it?s called confidence and loving your job. Keeping your focus on the top $$. Never burn bridges! This question
Thank You - Multiphonics
Ugh. I'm acting like a drama queen hoping they WILL get rid of me at the next layoff cycle. For some reason they laid off the hardest working employee with the best attitude instead.
Thank You - lag
I have worked with this kind of person, the other thing is that especially when they are young and pretty, she thinks she knows everything, and the boss chases her around like a puppy dog in heat, it is awful. Best advice, cut he lose, she will ruin your company
Thank You - Pretty Princess
I agree 100% with "Old Man". I'd work for you! Where did your post go?
Thank You - TrkDrvr
This whole thread sounds like BAE Systems in California, Maryland! From the prince/princess to the supervisor/manager level. Only thing missing was the nepotism! There was an article stating they were ethically challenged but it may have also included lacked integrity.
Thank You - me-n-you
Look, a "princess" is a personality type. You will never change her. There are plenty of good team players out there looking for work. Get rid of the one with the attitude, replace her with a good one, and let your workplace get healed up. I repeat - you will never change her, no matter what you try. IThe "princess" syndrome is pathological, and it will kill your business.
Thank You - Ron Hewitt
Let he/she go pronto,sure to fine team players, with the company interest and the interest of people at heart. with training he/she will do a great gob for the company
Thank You - MajorTom
I also hit the 'report abuse' button by accident, for Hello!'s comment. Sorry about that.
Thank You - Ivone
If she is having an affair with someone highest at the Office, it will be difficult to get her fired, but, if it is not the case, they should get rid of her, because it is showing previleges, that she can get away with anything, without been reprimended, and it is not fair for the other employees.
Thank You - toad
Perhaps you should start thinking outside the box and maybe run it up the flagpole. Maybe if you weren"t so out of pocket you couid conduct an afterwash to impress the cage. This wouild allow you to stay calm and carry on.
Thank You - randyk
Far too many employees today feel as though the Company owes them something other than 8 hours pay for 8 hours work. This is a recent development and probably can be blamed on the "do as i want or i will sue you complex". If the employee cannot find a way to change their behavior to standards the get rid of them. The labor pool is awash with folks who would love to have a job.
Thank You - PAUL
A good manager would ensure that all employees, get along. The Manager may be the problem...
Thank You - T-BONE PRIME
first of all it should be understood that no one human is any better than any other. she has talents sure everyone does.. but we are all still human,now if your just upset cause she wont kiss your but she shouldnt have too. if there are common task that everyone shares equaly then unless your will to make exception except when your number one in sales for the prvious mounth. maybe being top sales dog should have its privledges. but disrespting other team members when u talk to her be shure have
Thank You - Princess Tyson
I would challenge you to look a little deeper. Is it just jealousy or do they have legitimate complaint about her. When I say legitimate complaint, I mean they have documented instances where she personally did something to them. If not, it's hearsay and I'm sure no one has told her how they feel to give her a chance to correct the problem. That would be my advice to you. If you or anyone else she works with is having a problem them have small private meetings with everyone involved to address
Thank You - Business Man
One of the biggest problems in todays hiring of people is that people are hiried for their good looks instead of their education, and if you do it that way, well you really deserve what you get.
Thank You - dominica
we get today what we tolerated yesterday.let her know how you and the other feel and ask her to clean her act......or out.there are others who want a job.
Thank You - Clicked report by mistake
I did not mean to click "Report Abuse" to Susan's article above. I wanted to read more of her comments and clicked the wrong button. Sorry! Please reinstate.
Thank You - Owned my own business
Geronimo! You said it man! I agree completely!
Thank You - Katie
I agree with Active, when the boss continues to participate in the gossip, he ultimately portrays what kind of person he really is to his staff/ team. Not a wise man.
Thank You - union rep
Do it legally-set up an improvement plan and see if the princess meets and exceeds as internally driven. If not-quantify and decide-is this persons output worth the loss and reduction that is their effect. Maybe with them gone the other staff will perk up and shine. What will get you more?
Thank You - Karma
Work with a princess. The Boss will NOT do anything about her. His stance is she does such a gre