How to Deal with Paranoid Employees
The workplace consists of employees with all sorts of personalities, including positive, negative and paranoid employees. Unfortunately, paranoid employees can make the workplace environment dreadful for managers and coworkers alike, with conspiracy theories abounding. Paranoid employees often believe everything they are told is a lie, and as a result, they try to push their beliefs on other employees. As a manager, you can alleviate a paranoid employee's fears by remaining truthful and transparent.
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Instructions
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Make transparent decisions. Some paranoid employees believe any decision made in the workplace is made to benefit the company, not the employees. That kind of thinking spawns from a lack of transparency. When you make a decision, whether it's to implement a new policy or to discipline an employee, make it known why and how you came to the decision.
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Talk with employees to reassure them. Sometimes, paranoid employees simply need reassurance that their job is safe and nothing bad is going to happen. It's best if the manager who has the best relationship with the paranoid employee sits down to talk with him.
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Confront employees who are the cause of the paranoia. If certain employees spread rumors and intentionally lie to coworkers about the future of the workplace, some employees take the rumors and lies as truth. Typically, a rumor spreads quickly throughout the workplace. Stay vigilant and listen for employees who spread lies. When you find the problem employee, discipline him accordingly.
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Explain your expectations to the paranoid employee. Tell him, if he performs his duties as you explained them, he will move up in the company. Reassure him that there are no hidden expectations from him.
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Tips & Warnings
Most paranoid employees are not violent. However, if an employee turns violent, you must remove him from the workplace permanently and as soon as possible.
