Question: The previous manager let staff get away with everything. I’m the new manager. How do I change the staff behavior?
Answer: Take the bull by the horns. Hold a staff meeting and spell out the new expectations. Call them rules or call them pet peeves, but make it clear that everybody is expected to follow them.
Cover all the items the previous manager let slide so staff know that what was tolerated before will be tolerated no more.
All that says there’s a new captain who is going to run a tighter ship. It also shows what won’t be tolerated without calling anyone out personally.
Afterwards, meet one-on-one with every staffer to go over the duties and responsibilities and make sure both manager and employee are on the same page.
Reiterate the expectations outlined at the staff meeting, and ask if the staffer can meet them
End by asking if there are any requests. For example, somebody might want to continue performance discussions the previous manager held. Or somebody may have earlier requested training and now wants to know if it’s still available.