Give 'Em the Chair
Here's a great technique for all managers, supervisors, and anyone who has to confront a subordinate for inappropriate or less than a superlative performance. I call it "Giving 'em the chair." It works like this.You call the would-be offender into your office and exchange the initial pleasantries and establish a modicum of rapport and you start out with something like "I have a problem and I was wondering if I could ask you to help me figure something out." Notice we haven't blamed anyone or told him he has a problem, yet. The usual response is that the candidate will lower his guard and be more than willing to help you and the team. Then proceed to let him peek behind the curtain. Tell him you have been having an issue with an employee, don't say too much, keep it light and immediately segue and ask him to sit in your chair. Ask it as a favor. "Would you do me a favor, this will really help me, please sit in my chair for a moment, no really, please." After the initial reluctance he will settle into the chair. Then ask him in a jesting way, "Whudyathink, it's a nice chair, huh?"