Is That Disagreeable Employee Valuable?
Managing employees can definitely be frustrating at times. What happens when you have a disagreeable employee who challenges everything you do and what others do? Usually a manager wants to reign them in and help them be more “agreeable.” Yet is that the best decision?
There are differences among disagreeable employees. That’s why it’s important to delve further into the employee’s issues. Even if it seems just to be an “attitude” problem, find out what’s under that disguise. Some people will not give up their feelings but others only need to be prodded to express what is bothering them. What if that disagreeable employee is brilliant and adds value to your bottom line? Here is when managing employees becomes an art form.
“Brain trust: Mavericks are tricky, but valuable” by Myriam Robin on LeadingCompany.com. The article addresses a different perspective on some challenging behaviors and create an environment that allows employees to be creative.
Instead of being frustrated with a non-conforming employee, how can you maximize their contributions. Just as long as the employee knows that you are the manager and you are willing to work with them and still expect them to be “respectful” in their behaviors.
Always check in to see what is causing disagreeable behaviors and allow the employee to express their issues. Then bring the discussion around to what they need and what you need to support each other. Get the employee’s buy in to the solution and they will perform at a higher level.
Your goal is to maximize this employee’s performance and minimize their negative behaviors. Give them room to be creative and take risks, yet help them contain their disagreeableness.
If an employee is disagreeable, has no intention of changing their behaviors and is not participating in a solution, then you may need to make another decision around this individual.
Be well,
Pat
Other Articles:
Dealing With a Difficult Personality
Managing By Employee Strengths
