How to Deal with Difficult Subordinates in the Office
A good work environment and the continued success of a company are dependent on how people within the company interact. This pertains to the relationship between co-workers, as well as the relationship between bosses and subordinates.
As a boss, you don’t always get subordinates who do good work and get along with the team. Some may be uncooperative and display bad attitudes. These difficult employees can be recreating work behavior that’s suited them in the past. As their boss, a part of your job is to deal with them.
Evaluate
An immediate assessment of the situation is necessary before taking action. By carefully considering all the facts, you get a better perspective of things, as well as “ammunition” should it become necessary. At the same time, this allows you to be the knowledgeable arbitrator. Since you’re the boss, a difficult subordinate often acts up in front of or against his or her co-workers, not you. A thorough and fair evaluation puts you in the best position to deal with the situation and the difficult subordinate.
Do your research first
Apart from considering all the known facts, you must make sure you’ve got all the facts right. Look into your company’s available records, as well as the accounts of the other employees. If you can, get an insight too about the difficult employee’s history.
Plan a confrontation
When you finally decide on meeting the parties involved in the office situation, you will need to plan out a meeting first. This depends on the extent and gravity of the incident. A private, closed-door area is best. You might also choose to invite other company representatives, such as an HR personnel. Before you come to this meeting, it is important to have already mapped out alternatives for Correcting the situation. At the same time, you should have some contingency measures in mind, should things get worse.
Deal with the problem, not the person
When in the discussion table, make sure to keep an eye on the issue, not on the person. The goal in confronting the people involved is to resolve the dispute and put in place a healthier way of working together. The goal is not to win or to put down erring employees. Such diplomacy can go a long way. It may correct uncooperative behavior and foster team work. At the same time, it’s a good example of professionalism at the work place.
Photo Credit : dbking
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