text: i'm a manager and when trying to get staff to do their share, get put down. i dont order i ask is this wrong ? i am in a new premises, but not new manager. i'm a director also and have the same problem at times.  i work with very young people who may not always take their jobs seriously.  i also am not a micro manager, preferring to allow people to work at their own pace to keep morale up however there are times this doesn't work either.  if all your staff are not following your directives, i would have a staff meeting and in your own words explain the problem you  are having and allow for some professional feedback for your staff.  remind them that failure to follow their supervisor's directives is insubordination and can result in discipline.  say you don't want to go this route but if productivity does not improve and directives are not followed, you will have no choice but to do so.  now if it is an individual or a few individuals, i would meet with them privately (always have a witness though since some staff will exxagerate)and go over the need for teamwork and the above information.  explain that you are willing to listen to suggestions but directives need to be completed in a timely manner.  i don't order either and my program runs extremely well with a few glitches here and there.  my seasoned staff will tell the problem staff that i am very nice and fair but she does not play when it comes to work and that may be the type of boss you are as well, just needing to toughen up a little.  i never order and i personally resent when people give me orders so i try to show staff respect at all times.  it takes time, but you can correct the problems you are having.  my quess is you have some staff that really like you and just need a little direction.  you may also have some staff who think they can do the job better and therefor will continue to ignore you.  if you earn the respect of your stronger staff, they can help keep the problem staff in line.  and if not, they will understand that the problem staff need to be disciplined.  much luck to you,  you can get this situation in control with a little effort.