Do you have any access to work-place conselling? maybe this could help resolve issues and open up communication.

I think you should do what is best for your company. You did try to talk to her, and she turned you down. She's really making it hard for herself... As much as I tend to do this myself, she really can't take everything that personally. This is the real world. She should try to better herself with the criticism (hopefully they were being constructive and weren't too harsh). Before the last resort of firing her, try sending her a formal letter offering to make a compromise (but one that doesn't harm your company). If she doesn't shape up, that's her issue.

Mm.. as you mentioned yourself, it was your own lack of tact that led to her most recent behavioral problems, and i'm not sure i understand how you not properly dealing with her in the first place should result in her losing her job.

you said yourself she's a hard working and skilled.. so.. would you would be willing to let go of a good employee to make way for someone who's not as talented but more well liked for her personality?

i think all that's happened is that she's lost respect for you due to your bad management skills and rather than fire her, you should ask someone higher up than you to have a sit in with the both of you where you can calmly and maturely discuss any personality clashes that may be occurring because of her.

make a list prior to the meeting and have the points you would like to make well thought out and organized. also work on phrasing that may be tricky to come up with on the spot to ensure the conversation is well structured and at no point turns into an elementary school squabble over he said she said.

Mm.. as you mentioned yourself, it was your own lack of tact that led to her most recent behavioral problems, and i'm not sure i understand how you not properly dealing with her in the first place should result in her losing her job.

you said yourself she's hard working and skilled.. so.. would you would be willing to let go of a good employee to make way for someone who's not as talented but more well liked for her personality?

i think all that's happened is that she's lost respect for you due to your bad management skills and rather than fire her, you should ask someone higher up than you to have a sit in with the both of you where you can calmly and maturely discuss any personality clashes that may be occurring because of her.

make a list prior to the meeting and have the points you would like to make well thought out and organized. also work on phrasing that may be tricky to come up with on the spot to ensure the conversation is well structured and at no point turns into an elementary school squabble over he said she said.

I suggest you take a course in UK employment law. A course in management might also help.

An Employer cannot make a 'person' redundant through reorganisation... 'posts' are what is made redundant. If you discriminate in this process you lay you employer open to a legal challenge. Hardly professional!

I have been a Manager for 30 years. The role of a Manager is to 'manage'... not resort to the first or easiest resolution that springs to mind.

In my company, I would arrange an informal meeting to discuss with her how both of you feel about your working relationship, and how it can be improved to benefit both parties and the company that pays your wages.

Your approach of using anonymous colleagues to criticise her is both amateurish and bullying.

If you haven't got the courage, knowledge or expertise to 'manage'... YOU should get another job.

Your 'synopsis' makes clear that you are unaware of your companies policies and procedures. Since these are the only lawful tools available to you... suggest you read and digest them.

Just as an addendum... I tend to value more the employees who think for themselves, challenge processes and have some passion about their work. But then... I am a Manager, not someone who treats the workplace like a soap opera.

Before you try to make her leave, have you a HR dept that can give you advice?.

Also, from how you describe the way things have gone, it might be an option on your side to consider looking at inter personal skills and a man management course.

Since you say that she is hardworking and skilled, I would suggest that you take her through your disciplinary process for insubordination. Give her the chance to defend herself. It will also give you the opportunity to find out if there's more to the situation than just behavioural problems (eg perceived organisational unfairness or personal problems). If, after that, her behaviour continues, then invoke your dismissal process.

If a manager suggests to me that I should seek other opportunities outside, then I will just go in and do my job. What else did you expect her to do after you had implied that she is not wanted?

Getting rid of her through a re-organisation is the coward's way out. You may consider attending courses on assertiveness and also managing people.