Should I let this person go because of their drama?

If they're coming into work distracted by personal dramatics, then they're not performing to the best of their ability. If you are satisfied with the quality of their work, then I suggest that you counsel your employee quietly and informally. Let them know that it's not a problem YET but you'd like to let them know that you feel it could develop into one. Ask them to stay professional and keep the drama at home.

Additionally, if this particular employee's antics are prohibiting his/her coworkers' from performing at their best, then you certainly have a legitimate reason to let them go.

It sounds like you are considering terminating this employee because he/she isn't a good team fit and affecting the work environment. Give them a chance to correct their behavior. If he/she doesn't correct their behavior let the employee go. In my opinion, I don't think you face wrongful termination since you're not basing the firing on race, gender, disability, religion or age. If they're not a good fit to your team then so be it.

My favorite managerial quote..."If you want to build a ship, don't drum up men, gather wood, and give orders. Instead, teach them them to yearn for the vast and endless sea."

Provide your employee with the vision of how things should be, and what they will gain from acheiving that goal. Leave them alone so they can get it done. Even in the most minimal job, like Burger King, you can always provide vision. You just need to figure out what it is that is motivating your employee to work for you.

It also never hurts to let your employees think you are crazy. Rant and rave and kick things once in a while. After all you are crazy for the love of this vision you are all working so hard to acheive! (wink wink)

If your employee has nothing motivating them, and they could careless about the job...they are not an asset to you, and concider saying goodbye.

Take it from someone who is currently working a second job because I figured, "hey, I have the time." I do my job well cause I have great work ethic, but could care less about pleasing anyone. I go there with the idea that their rules don't apply to me. If I was my boss...I would take the chance of firing me unfairly, because I am more of a problem then an asset. I set a tone for the office that is unacceptable and too time consuming to fix.

LOVE this question because I worked with someone who was great at the job BUT she brought all her problems in, therefore not so great at the job.

She honestly came into work every day and thought her co-workers were there to support her emotional state. It was pretty sad.

Big company, very professional, and here she was taking time off, crying, socializing, on the phone slamming it down on her husband (ex), blah blah blah.

You need to talk to this person seriously. Give them a warning, ask if you can support in any way, but that they need to spend their PAID 8 hours a day doing work!! Not all the other junk they are doing.

You have no reason to let them go if by your own evaluation "They come to work everyday and do most of their work well."

If their "drama' was seriously impacting their ability to perform well, you'd be in a better position to let them go.

So please remember, people DO have lives and emotions, and they can't just turn them off like good little machines at 9 a.m.

I would call the person in for a conference and find out what's bothering that person, and offer solutions to help them find outside solutions to their "dramas."

ANd realize, some people thrive on drama. You have to have more of a reason than drama, however, to get rid of a person. If they do most of their work well, and you fire them, you might find yourself on the end of a wrongful termination lawsuit.

If you are the one over this person, it is your duty to speak to him or her privately explaining that you would appreciate it if he or she tried harder to stay on task and remain focused on the job at hand. Say that it would be a good idea if outside distractions would remain outside. Don't consider eliminating anyone from a position until you have given that person a chance to improve. Be firm but also be kind.

Talk to them and let them know they are all work as a team worker. Tell them what you expect from them. They have to follow the rules. If they are good staff. They will understand and change and stay. Otherwise they will find their way and say goodbye.

It does not seems to me that they are highly effective employees and their behaviors are disruptive to the business work place as a whole.

Clearly address the issue to them and tell them that both of them wil be fire if they keep on doing what they are doing.

If they are accomplishing their tasks, I don't see the problem. Is it interfering with other co-workers? Is it something you can confront them on. Everyone knows this one, leave all personal baggage at the door of work, you can pick it up on your way out.

Sit this person down and explain the situation honestly. Inform him/her that if his distractive behavior continues it could lead to negative consequences.