JANINE FROM ATLANTA ASKS...
My executive chef has been dating my hotel's director of catering for several weeks. Because of this, a lot of important deadlines between the two departments have fallen off schedule, especially when it comes to critical BEO changes. How can I address this situation without being too personal?

THE STAFFING DOCTOR ANSWERS...
Janine, this is a case where less is definitely more. Your challenge is to avoid addressing their personal relationship at all—as it is really not the core of your concern.
Unless your hotel has a specific policy banning fraternization between employees, the only issue you have is performance—a costly breakdown between catering and the kitchen that is impacting work, in general, and BEO changes, in particular.
Focus on performance. Meet with each person individually (not together— alone) and bring the problem to his or her attention, telling him or her that it needs to be corrected immediately and that you are counting on him or her to make it happen. If either person brings up the relationship, focus him or her back on the performance issue, and repeat that you expect it to be corrected.

CONTACT THE STAFFING DOCTOR
As president of StaffDynamics, www.staffdynamics.biz, Daniel Abramson has focused on workforce performance strategies and “raising the bar” for over 25 years. His energetic, nononsense style appeals to clients seeking results at a new level. He is available as a corporate trainer, management coach, and for high-impact speaking engagements. His latest book is Secrets of Hiring Top Talent. Please send questions you would like Daniel to address to mcaro@hfbexecutive.com. Your anonymity will be respected.