An employee will typically run to HR as soon as you start executing your newly acquired skills. This is normal, do not be alarmed and do not fall into old habits. Simply plan your strategy so that you are one step ahead. Prior to implementing the new regime, speak to your Human Resources department. Let them know about the issues that you have been having with your employees so that they are aware than any complaints are not to be taken seriously.
The following ideas have worked in many scenarios all across the globe:
- Lie - Make up whatever you have to within reason to ensure HR that your subordinate is a somewhat unstable human being. Remember, the employee needs to be viewed as an untrusted and invalid source of information.
- Off the Job - With a few hours of photoshop time, create a MySpace page with many non-PC photos of your employee. Bookmark it and show it to HR. It is CRITICAL that you let your HR manager know that you have it under control, you do not want them bringing this to the employee, simply plant the seed and leave.
- Dig up the past - If your employee has made a mistake in the past, be sure to make a much bigger deal out of it.
HR is your silent, unaware partner, do not ever compromise that relationship otherwise your management tactics may fail.