What happens when you hire the wrong employee for the job?
In today’s post-vaccine world, standing out as a business means flexing your ability to manage multiple personalities. That’s why managing diverse and difficult employee types is the most important conversation your business can have.
The important thing is having the words to have the conversation and a strategy to combat employee difficulties. Here, we break down the 7 most challenging employee types and the strategies you can use to manage them.
1. The Complainers
The complainers may be the most challenging type of employee to manage as complaints, even if they are reasonable, can damage morale and create a negative atmosphere. As a manager, it is important to remain composed and not take their complaints personally.
It is important to be involved and aware of their concerns, but also to set boundaries and provide feedback on expectations.
2. The No-Show
When dealing with an employee who is a “no show”, an employer has a few strategies they can use to manage them. The employer should create a policy that outlines the consequences for not showing up to shifts and make sure it’s clear and communicated to employees.
The employer should talk to the employee to identify the root cause of the absenteeism and address it.
3. The Gossiper
When managing an employee who is known to be a gossiper, it is important to address the issue head-on. It is best to speak with the employee privately and without emotion.
Let the employee know that their behavior is disruptive to the office environment and that any future behavior could ultimately lead to employment termination.
4. The Control-Freak
When managing a control freak, it’s important to understand their need to be in control and to respect their desire while still respecting the work of others. Start by delegating tasks that will give the Control-Freak control but will have an overall benefit for the company.
Assign responsibilities that require input from the entire group in motivating employees, but put the Control-Freak in charge.
5. The Bad-Mouthing Supervisor
The badmouthing supervisor can present an array of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing and motivating other employees. To effectively manage this challenging behavior, it is important to confront the unprofessional conduct in a timely manner and to offer constructive feedback in private.
Empower other difficult employees to report this type of behavior and support them in finding ways to improve communication.
6. The Silent Treatment Artist
In order to manage them, it is important to first identify the underlying cause of their behavior. If there is a clear pattern, the issue may relate to workplace insecurities, stress, or a feeling of being uncared for or ignored.
If this is the case, the manager should do their best to build a relationship built on trust and provide ongoing support and reassurance.
7. The Saboteur
The saboteur can be challenging to manage as they will try to derail projects through passive aggressive behavior, which can hamper productivity. It is important to identify and address their triggers proactively.
The best way to do this is to build an atmosphere of trust by providing them with feedback in a timely manner. Hiring through a PEO helps in getting the right employee for your company.
7 Most Challenging Employee Types and How to Deal with Them
Every employee type requires different strategies in order to ensure smooth functioning and good communication.
By understanding the 7 most challenging employee types and their needs, employers can establish effective management methods.
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