Schedule a Meeting: Arrange a private meeting with the temporary payroll manager to discuss your observations and concerns. Choose a time when both of you can have a focused conversation without interruptions.
Express Appreciation: Start the conversation by expressing appreciation for the manager’s efforts and contributions so far. Acknowledge their skills and expertise while emphasizing the importance of aligning with the company’s priorities.
Clarify Expectations: Clearly communicate your expectations regarding the manager’s role and focus during their tenure. Emphasize that their primary objective is to learn and understand the company’s payroll processes, policies, and procedures thoroughly.
Address Behavior: Address the manager’s behavior of focusing on finding mistakes rather than learning. Explain that while identifying areas for improvement is valuable, their primary responsibility at this stage is to familiarize themselves with the company’s payroll operations.
Highlight Importance of Integration: Stress the importance of integrating into the team structure and collaborating effectively with colleagues. Emphasize that teamwork and cooperation are essential for achieving collective goals and ensuring smooth payroll operations.
Offer Support: Assure the manager that you’re committed to supporting their learning and development throughout their tenure. Encourage them to ask questions, seek clarification, and actively engage with the team to enhance their understanding.
Provide Resources: Offer resources and materials to facilitate the manager’s learning process, such as documentation, training materials, and access to relevant systems or tools. Recommend specific areas of focus and provide guidance on where to direct their efforts.
Set Milestones: Establish clear milestones or checkpoints to monitor the manager’s progress and ensure they’re staying on track with their learning objectives. Schedule follow-up meetings to review their development and address any additional concerns.
Encourage Open Communication: Encourage open communication and feedback from the manager. Create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing their challenges, questions, or suggestions for improvement.
Reiterate Commitment to Success: Reinforce your commitment to the manager’s success and emphasize that you’re invested in helping them succeed in their role. End the meeting on a positive note, expressing confidence in their ability to adapt and excel in their responsibilities.
By addressing the situation with empathy, clear communication, and proactive support, you can help redirect the temporary payroll manager’s focus towards learning and integration within the company’s payroll operations effectively.
Marc Laflamme 