When you've had enough... a proven procedure for firing difficult
employees.
Dealing with difficult employees is perhaps the hardest part
of running a business. It's a tricky aspect, for many reasons.
Perhaps learning how to deal with difficult employees should
be considered an extra topic for business courses.
If you are dealing with difficult employees in your workplace,
there are several things to consider before dealing with that
employee. Often, the difficult employees are not necessarily
the disposable ones. They might display a strong work ethic,
show a certain loyalty to the company and might even get along
(on a limited basis) with most of their co-workers. Others might
show different qualities, butting heads with colleagues, showing
little work ethic and displaying a lack of pride in their work.
If the latter is the case, consider moving that employee elsewhere
or terminating them if necessary. But since most employees, even
the difficult employees, fall into the former group, it's perhaps
worthwhile to figure out how best to deal with them.
You Can Deal With Difficult Employees
Whatever the specific difficult personality you are dealing
with, there are several tips to make it easier.
*First, keep in mind that this is not an emotional battle. You
should not get emotionally involved with the difficult behavior.
You only need to deal with this person at work, and you only
need to get as involved as the work requires. Sometimes not getting
emotionally involved is easier on you, and might get less response
out of the difficult person. Often, difficult people enjoy getting
a rise out of others.
*Second, always keep yourself approachable. Often difficult
employees will respond better to a manager who keeps an "open
door" policy and invites comments and dialogue. In addition,
if things "hit the fan" with the employee, you will
have that in your back pocket. You'll always be able to argue
that you were available for conversation and you made an effort
to keep yourself available.
*Third, do a consistent "check in" with the difficult
employee to be sure that you understand each other. Often, misunderstandings
and lack of communication are at the root of difficulties with
other people. Ask, "Do you understand what I'm saying?" Consider
asking this at different intervals of the day or week, always
making sure the employee understands you and visa versa.
*Finally, don't stand around arguing with difficult employees.
Often, this personality type is stubborn and won't be convinced
of any argument but his or her own. Don't stand around all-day
trying to make your point. Make your point, clarify if necessary,
and move on. This not only proves your position as the manager
who doesn't have to justify their position but also saves you
precious time.
What
to do with difficult employees...
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