Dear Bob ...Continuing the discussion about IT standards and what to do when people ignore them (see "Roving e-mail," Keep the Joint Running, 7/2/2007): What about the employee who admits the corporate e-mail (or phone system, or desktop, or accounting system, or whatever) does everything their "chosen," but non-standard method does, but still won't change?In my opinion, this employee has a significant "Not Inve Dear Bob …Continuing the discussion about IT standards and what to do when people ignore them (see “Roving e-mail,” Keep the Joint Running, 7/2/2007): What about the employee who admits the corporate e-mail (or phone system, or desktop, or accounting system, or whatever) does everything their “chosen,” but non-standard method does, but still won’t change?In my opinion, this employee has a significant “Not Invented Here” syndrome. I have come close to terminating this employee numerous times, but keep trying to find some management method to redeem this wayward child….who is a year older than me! The company has been carrying the division that Mr. N.I.H. is supposed to be “developing” for over 4 years. Business sense says, cut the anchor and let the rest of the ship sail. I have been too much of an optimist for too long. Perhaps I am not a talented enough captain to direct a two masted ship.– Sailing awayDear Cap’n … You could, I suppose, try sarcasm: “Would you like an answering machine to attach to your phone so you don’t have to use the corporate voicemail system, too?”If the employee works for you, say, “Since you can’t give me a reason for using your non-standard alternative, it’s time for you to decide whether or not you want to be an employee. The company provides a perfectly satisfactory solution for what you want to do. Your decision to do something different, just because you feel like it, isn’t acceptable. So if you want to be an employee, it’s time to start acting like one. If you don’t, tell me now.”If the employee doesn’t work for you, you might consider approaching his/her manager. Present the situation, explain that you don’t want to be the standards police and would prefer to handle things informally if possible. Or, if there really isn’t any negative impact on anyone other than the employee from making the non-standard choices, take advantage of your natural right to ignore the situation entirely.– BobPS: From your description, failing to follow the company standard is the smallest issue you have with this guy. If I were you (from your account it does appear you’re his boss), I’d find his complete failure to produce results to be the more interesting subject for discussion. Powered by ScribeFire. Technology Industry