How to Handle Difficult Employees

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Handling difficult employees can require finesse, patience and a firm hold on your temper. However, the rewards can make the effort well worth it.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Document the problems an employee is having.
Step 2

Arrange to discuss these problems with the employee.
Step 3

Keep the discussion nonconfrontational and focused on performance issues. This is not the time to air personal likes and dislikes.
Step 4

Stick to the record when discussing problems. Avoid making accusations.
Step 5

Ask employee how he or she plans to address performance problems.
Step 6

Set concrete goals and time lines to be met. Involve the employee in creating these goals and developing a strategy to meet them.
Step 7

Write a letter of clarification for the employee that documents these goals and the time line involved.
Step 8

Meet with the employee again, if the employee fails to meet these goals, and determine whether there are other work-related issues that need to be resolved.

Tips & Warnings

Be willing to look at the shortcomings of you and your company, particularly if you have had a series of difficult employees. Are there ways you could make the work environment less stressful?
Document all problems, discussions and warnings carefully. This is critical if the employee is terminated and the termination is later challenged in court.

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Comments

roseofsharon said

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on 4/14/2008 I recenlty started a new supervisory postion in a hospital and I was hired from the outside. There is one particular employee who is very diffuclt. He has a really big chip on his shoulder. I go out of my way every morning to say hello, but all I get is a grunt. How do I handle this.