How to Manage Difficult Employees

Difficult employees may have valid reasons for acting the way they do. Students will gain insight into why it can be helpful to examine those reasons before taking serious managerial actions.

Employee motivations are often highly individual. Students will understand why probing a difficult employee's motivators makes good management sense.

Managing "up or out" provides a logical framework to resolve a lingering managerial problem. Students will learn why this is an effective means of "framing the issue" when dealing with a difficult employee.

Reflective question asks students about their own level of directness and clarity with difficult employees. This exercise helps students gain insight into their own managerial tendencies and performance.

Diligent documentation is a key element in the effective management of difficult employees. Students will learn why keeping accurate records of problematic instances (and positive ones too) is a valuable managerial tool.

A management case describes how a highly agitated employee can pose serious challenges. Students will learn how thorough documentation plays a vital role in the managerial process.

A question for reflection is asked, applying the section's learnings to a student's own management experience. Students will examine how closely they are documenting employee problems in their own position -- and see whether there's room for improvement.

A different lens to view difficult employees is described. Students will learn how an asset / liability framework on problem employees is a useful managerial tool.

Case examines a highly talented but highly difficult employee. Students will see how an asset/liability framework guides decision making.

Key concepts from the course are reviewed. Students will understand why the ability to manage difficult employees is a valuable skill, and why approaching it in a logical, unemotional manner makes good business sense.