Dealing With a Difficult Personality
In managing employees, you will experience many different personalities. Most people are easier to manage, though you may have an employee who challenges everything, complains, or is generally aggressive in their behavior.
So how do you handle this type of employee? “How To Manage Mean People” by Corey M. Mackenzie on Small Business Chron offers clear advice to handle a difficult employee.
If you are clear about your role, that you are responsible for the well-being of all of your employees, you will see that a problematic employee will impact the morale of the team. Your responsibility is to set clear expectations on appropriate behavior. Even if this is your “star performer” who is bringing in the sales, not being clear about standards of behavior will eventually come back to haunt you.
Document all behaviors and have that 1:1 with the individual and take a deep breath and remain calm. I suggest to managers to have a “mantra” they say to the employee in several different ways that clearly states the behavior you expect the employee to meet. An example: “I know you frustrated with the situation, and I understand your frustration, however, how could you have handled it differently than yelling and screaming?” “I’m willing to work with you to solve work problems, though your role is to handle your emotions.”
Always have the employee be part of the solution, and they will take ownership of the change. If they don’t respond after a specific period of time, then you need to make a different decision around the person.
Be well,
Pat
Other Articles:
How To Deal With a Difficult Personality
How To Handle An Insecure Employee
High Maintenance Employees
