A business has various aspects that an owner has to manage. That includes all the members working for it. As an owner, you may also face difficult employees, which can be stressful and awkward. Therefore, you must develop ways to handle them. It is best to figure out the issues before they worsen in the long run.
The number of your workers will represent how many attitudes you have to balance. That can even mean setting aside your own to keep that workplace balance. However, you may encounter members who can make things difficult at your workplace. In this case, how you approach them can make or break your team.
Dealing With a Difficult Team Member
It is a part of your responsibility to unite your team for a common goal. However, there will be rough times that involve any of your members. Therefore, you have to do something to deal with the situation and the members involved. Signing up for a leadership coaching program can help you acquire the mindset and skills to manage your team. In this case, here are a few more tips that you can apply to improve your workplace:
Critique the behavior and not the person involved.
At this point, it is best to address the source of the problem. You must ask the person where this difficulty is coming from and discuss the actions to solve it. Besides, your member can be dealing with something that you are not aware of as well. Keep in mind that your target here is to find a solution and not to add fuel to the fire.
Create a two-way conversation with your challenging member.
As you talk with this member, ensure to open your ears for feedback. The cause behind their actions may have something to do with the workplace or the work itself. Given this point, a listening ear can make your member feel you want to hear them out genuinely. In effect, you can make them improve their behavior.
Be specific with your directions.
It is tough indeed to address issues that have something to do with members. However, you have to act on it before it worsens, so you have to point out directly which behavior you want them to improve. You also have to explain how it affects them, their work, and other members. You can encourage them about what has to change.
List down the details of poor performance or troubling behavior.
It is best to record how a difficult member acts inside your company. A member can cause you too many headaches, which can end up with a need to terminate them. In this case, it is your way to protect your firm if the member will sue you about the termination.
Let the HR department handle the situation if you can’t work it out yourself.
You can consult your HR or let them take over the situation. Your HR members know all the policies and how to handle difficult members. Moreover, they can advise you on what courses of action you must take to resolve this. They can even explain the grounds if termination becomes necessary.
Come up with a solution together.
After hearing your member’s side, you can discuss how to solve the issue. You have to come up with real-time and concrete solutions. This way, the problem will not recur and no longer affect your work environment. You only have to ensure to set boundaries.
Monitor progress and see if there will be improvements.
It is best to give your member a chance to improve on their side. You have to see if the member is willing to change the behavior. Besides, this condition is a part of what both of you agreed on during your talk. For this reason, your agreement has to take place.
The way you handle things can determine the fate of your business. That includes how you deal with your difficult members. In this case, it is best to develop an approach within your company to keep it stable. You can unite your team and be with the same goals as yours. In effect, your members will stay loyal to you.
Aside from that, you, your team, and your business can grow together as one. Employees may act tough outside, but you can help them improve. Everyone will benefit in the long run. Given this point, good communication is the key. You can handle your members fairly through these tips.
In general, a good leader knows which battle they should give time and effort.