Dealing with Problem Employees

Do you have an employee who is a constant source of frustration? Someone who is not performing to your standards, who is taking up way too much of your time and energy? If so, you are not alone, not by any means. Most of the problems I run across within companies are centered around one or two people. Here’s what to consider when making decisions about your problem person:

1. Is this person a valuable part of your team? What do they contribute? Most people do contribute something of worth to a company. If not, you should probably “de-hire” him or her. This gives you the freedom to concentrate on the rest of your business and him the freedom to find a job that is a better fit.
2. Does this person share the same basic values as you and your business? If not, he is not a good fit and never will be.
3. If this person resigned today, what would you do? Celebrate? Or run around in a panic to get the work done?
4. Is there a pattern of poor behavior or job performance? Do you see the same problem repeating itself time and time again? A one-time slip is called a mistake and is usually easy to fix. A pattern is a symptom of something more serious that needs your attention now.

If you decide that this person is worth keeping you probably need help. Your management style or your communication style may not be working. Or this person may be in the wrong position. Or you may be expecting him to perform in a way that is just not possible at this time. And surprise!–you may actually be enabling and rewarding the very behavior you hate without realizing it.

Whatever the cause may be, you probably can’t see it for yourself. A third party, preferably someone who is not emotionally entangled and from outside your business, can help you diagnose the situation and work one-on-one with you to fix the problem before it “fixes” you into a deep financial hole. A small investment now can save you time, money and aggravation and help get your employee and your business back on track.