How do you manage difficult employees in the workplace? I’m talking about pointing out bad behaviors without causing any animosity.
Have you ever worked with a co-worker who is very difficult with a nasty attitude?
You know that one person on your team can negatively affect the entire team. Right?
Have you ever wondered how that person landed the job in the first place?
Who is doing the interviewing? Do the people in HR know the right questions to ask to get the prospective employee to come from behind the mask and reveal who they are?
Unfortunately, even though you didn’t hire the difficult employee, you still have to deal with the issue.
The mistake of the hiring manager is now your problem. It’s not fair, but it is what it is. You have to find a way to deal with the difficult person on your team.
If you want to have a positive and productive workplace, you have to confront the negative behaviors or attitudes early before they escalate.
The good news is, you are about to access a simple formula to help stop difficult employees from ruining your work environment.
It’s a module from our intensive training on creating a positive and productive workplace. It’s been proven to be extremely effective. I call it the PSP Formula.
Let’s dive into it.
The Proven P.S.P. Formula To Manage Difficult Employees
1. A is For Praise
At the start of the conversation, begin by thanking them for showing up to have this conversation with you. It’s always good practice.
Then, praise the employee for something specific that they did on a specific occasion.
You are giving them a shot of dopamine, which is the feel-good chemical the brain releases when we are happy or excited.
You are putting them in a good mood to receive negative feedback without causing animosity.
This is very important because most people who are misbehaving tend to be defensive. When you call for the meeting, they are already thinking you are going to scold them or make them wrong.
Your praise must come across as sincere as possible. There’s always something about a person you can praise if you look hard enough.
Also, put a smile on your face. You’d be surprised how one smile can de-escalate tension and cause the person to relax.
It can be something as simple as a time they worked overtime to help with a project or a time they stepped in to help a coworker.
Praises and compliments are the absolute best way to bring someone to your side of the fence.
In fact, you can become a magnetic and highly influential person by constantly praising others.
To manage difficult employees in the workplace, you need to be an elevator. Constant elevate your team members.
Let’s get to the S in the PSP.
2. S is For Share
Now that the difficult employee is on a high, you are ready to share your not-so-pleasing feedback. You are ready to share your concerns about the negative behavior.
But, you can’t just say it without adding some cushion upfront, so it lands with care. You want to pre-frame the feedback with this phrase:
“You can do better.”
Do NOT let the simplicity of that phrase deceive you. It’s packed with psychological implications.
You say, “However, I have some concerns and I believe you can do better.”
You are implying that the employee can go from good to great. It’s not a lost case.
Then you share the behavior without making it about the person. What do I mean by that?
Well, most people would get offended the moment they feel like they are the behavior in question.
To separate the behavior from the employee, NEVER gesture toward the person while mentioning the negative behavior or anything unpleasant.
Only gesture toward the person while praising and complimenting.
Otherwise, the person’s subconscious mind will automatically associate the negative behavior with the person.
As a result, they will put their fence up and be defensive. Not only do you gesture away, you also need to break eye contact while doing it.
Right after you share your concern, say something like, “That’s not like you.” Verbally emphasize that they are not the negative behavior.
3. P Is For Praise (Again)
You want to bring back the good feelings you created at the beginning. Always end the conversation with more praises.
You want to restate the positive qualities or your appreciation. It’s your way of telling the person you are willing to support them if they are willing to cooperate with you.
You are building trust and encouraging them to work on improving their behaviors and attitudes.
Either use the same praises and compliments or you can stack more praises.
You can also repeat your appreciation for showing up. The goal is for both of you to walk away feeling this was beneficial to all.
BONUS
Here Are 7 Best Practices To Keep In Mind During The Process
1. Be Clear & Specific
When addressing negative behaviors or attitudes, be specific about the issue at hand. Explain it without ambiguity.
Say what you mean and mean what you say. Avoid using generalities or vague statements, as they can create doubts and confusion. That can lead to resistance and pushback.
Instead of saying “lately you have been late for work,” provide specific dates and information about when the behavior started.
This will help the employee understand what you are concerned about.
2. Listen and ask questions
The employee is not going to just agree with you and move on. They have their own reasons or concerns.
Be all ears. Listen to those reasons. You may learn something new you were not aware of. Encourage the employee to share their thoughts and listen attentively.
Ask clarifying questions to eliminate any misunderstandings. Try to understand their perspective. It’s important to remember that people will often go out of their way for you when they feel understood. They want to know you feel their pains.
Many times, negative behaviors at work can be caused by personal issues at home. Instead of assuming the issue is work related, ask questions and listen carefully.
3. Focus On The Solutions
Don’t keep rehashing the problem or talking about what’s wrong. Instead, focus on finding solutions and creating a plan for improvement.
This can include talking about potential solutions, setting specific goals, action steps, and checkpoints to track progress.
It’s important to remember not to push your own agenda on the employee. The goal is to move forward and collaborate, rather than getting stuck in a vortex of blame and criticism.
Brainstorm ideas to help the employee do better, as suggested in the beginning.
4. Offer Support & Resources
Be prepared to offer support, assistance, or resources to help them improve. Sometimes, the support can be something as simple as offering moral support.
Maybe you have a budget for training, coaching, or other resources that can help them grow and develop.
When you offer support and assistance, you give a sense that you do want them on the team. They will feel a sense of belonging.
5. Keep The Conversation Confidential
It’s important to respect the employee’s privacy and keep the conversation between the two of you. Avoid discussing what happens in the room with others, as this can create further animosity and damage trust.
If you expect an honest and straightforward conversation, tell the employee that everything discussed will remain totally confidential.
This will inspire an open and honest discussion. By the way, don’t be surprised if the employee starts sharing some sensitive information with you.
Do your best to establish some clear ground rules at the start of the conversation about confidentiality. This will make the meeting more powerful and effective.
6. Always Follow Up
If possible, volunteer to be an accountability partner for the person as part of your support. Help them track progress on how they are improving. That will show your commitment to their success.
Keep your word and follow up. You might even schedule some dates on the calendar to follow up. It’s like getting the employee to have you as their coach or mentor.
7. Keep Excellent Records
You have to document everything when you are called to manage difficult employees. This can be extremely important if the employee’s behavior is causing problems within the team or is negatively impacting the company’s productivity.
Your last resort later might be to terminate or discipline the toxic employee. Without good records, you will have a tough time making your case. You want to be able to show the steps you took to remedy the situation.
That’s to protect yourself and the company at the same time. Sure, you want to help the employee. But don’t be naive either. Don’t let it be your words against theirs.
What You Need To Be Aware Of As You Are Applying The Formula On How To Manage Difficult Employees
If you truly want to manage difficult employees in the workplace, use this strategy exactly as I explained it.
However, don’t let your mind play tricks on you by thinking this is manipulation. It’s called influence. Manipulation is when our intention is harmful.
The fact is, we have been using psychological triggers on each other for thousands of years.
We use all kinds of tricks to convince and persuade each other. What most people call manipulation is nothing but the art of communication.
Another concern is thinking that people will catch us in the act. That’s only if we don’t apply the strategy with honesty and sincerity.
For example, let’s say your spouse wants to go out to eat, but you don’t feel like it. I bet they are going to find a way to persuade you. You know it’s happening, but you still go along with it.
Besides, with practice, you will become a natural at it, just like you are a natural at convincing your kids to clean their room.
Just because you are aware of a strategy doesn’t mean everyone has the same awareness.
All of us, myself included, have been persuaded to do something, even though we know or teach the strategies. It’s because our brain is evolutionarily programmed that way.
This formula will empower you to manage difficult employees without aggravation and frustration. As a result, you will have a more positive work environment. Your team members will be happier. Productivity will go up.
The Ultimate Training For Managers to Manage Difficult Employees Get More Info Here
You may not come from generational wealth, but generational wealth can start with you. Here are the principles to live by.
1. Create Your Day
Each day is a mini version of your whole life condensed into a snapshot. If you don’t have 15 minutes to plan it, you are not earning the right to live the entire journey. Start with gratitude, prayer, or meditation. Drink your water, exercise, and set daily goals.
2. Know Your Worth
No man can ever determine your worth. People can pay you for access. However, they cannot afford to pay you what you are worth. You are the prize. Don’t just believe it. Know it with certainty.
3. Nurture Your Relationship
God uses people to open doors for you. Create a large network of quality people. Network with people who are living your dream. Go where they are and connect with them. Buy whatever they have for sale or deliver unbelievable value to them. Your net worth is your network.
4. Create Assets
Money follows assets. Create products or services that solve specific problems. The key is to be the owner. Instead of buying the car, own the dealership. Rich people sell more. Poor people buy more. Always strive to be on the other side of the cash register
5. Defend Your Territory
80% of wealth creation is mindset. Raise your vibration and frequency to the same level of that which you want. Then defend and protect your mindset. Do not tolerate those who interfere with your frequency and vibration. Love them from a distance.
6. Buy Time Instead Of Selling time
Rich people buy time. Poor people sell time. If you are working for someone, you are actually selling time. Be the one doing the hiring so you can buy time. Remember this: OPT (other people’s time) and OPM (other people’s money) are the key to wealth generation.
7. Be The Go -Giver, Not The Go-Getter
Be a blessing to others so you can be blessed. Give money, compliments or praises, advice, resources, or anything that adds value. If you are in business, give your clients more than they are paying for.
8. Unleash Your Imagination. Declare And Decree
Everything you see around you was once an imagination in someone’s mind. If you cannot imagine it, you cannot have it. Simply put: you gotta have it before you can have it. Close your eyes and see yourself vividly living your dream exactly the way you want it.
9. Practice Unbounded Gratitude
Be grateful for the little things, and the big things will start manifesting. No matter what your circumstances are, you can always be grateful for something. It’s impossible to be grateful and be depressed at the same time. If you are not getting what you want, it’s because you are not being grateful for what you have.
10. Be An Elevator
Make everyone you come in contact with feel they are special. Challenge them to dream bigger. Empower them to have a larger vision. Show them what’s possible. Listen to their stories. Be genuinely interested in them. As a result, they will conspire with you to make you wealthy.
Try to put those strategies into practice daily and watch your bank account soar.
Do you have a wealth strategy to share with us?
I met a young lady who told me that she couldn’t find a job because companies are not hiring. I told her to say instead, “Companies are not hiring ME.”
The good news is, companies are always hiring. People die, retire, get sick, and change jobs. Tons of people start new jobs every day. Some have two jobs.
The young lady is simply not able to make a good case or persuade someone to hire her. Most people approach finding an ideal job casually. They have no strategy. They don’t realize looking for a job requires a relentless attitude.
7 Proven Ways To Lend An Ideal Job:
1. Turn Off The Television
The media love to remind us that the economy is bad. They will splash the high unemployment rate on your screen to intimidate you.
They’ll tell you companies are closing their doors or downsizing.Don’t wait for them to let you know when it’s time to step out and start knocking on doors. Your wait will never be over.
The thing is, if you keep flooding your mind with bad news about the economy or the job market, you will freeze. Even if you are lucky to get a job interview, your negative attitude will sabotage your chance.
I encourage you to turn your television off. Hit the road. Others are getting jobs. You can, too. They are not more special or more favored.Not having a job is depressing enough.
Why would you let the media make your situation seem worse? Here’s a little secret:A negative attitude will kill your opportunity to get hired.
Above all, companies will hire you because of your positive attitude and enthusiasm. If you are not feeling upbeat, present, and enthusiastic, don’t even bother to look for a job.
2. Avoid The Unemployment Line
Collecting unemployment checks is easy. After all, you needed a break. And you paid into the system. It’s fair to get what you deserve. Right?Well, it’s a trap.Once you start collecting those checks, you’ll find yourself in a comfort zone.
Now, if you need a couple of paychecks until you get the new job, do so. But don’t get too cozy.I know it’s a good feeling when you get to stay in bed, avoid fighting traffic and stay away from annoying people.
Who wouldn’t want that?But, resist the temptation.Nature hates a vacuum. She’ll always go where there’s none. It’s like dating. All the prospects will come out of the woodwork when you are unavailable. Am I right?
The same applies when it comes to landing your ideal job. It’s a lot easier to get one while you are employed or right after you get laid off.
That explains why the more you have, the more you continue to have. It’s not fair. But, it is what it is.Simply put, if you have to get some money to get over the hump, go for it.
In the meantime, commit and focus on shortening the gap as fast as possible. That will also do a lot of good for your self-worth and self-esteem.
3. Make Looking For A Job Your New Job
Think about it this way: You are never unemployed unless you are retired. What do I mean by that?Looking for a job is a job in and of itself. Your search begins as soon as they let you know that they are either eliminating your position or replacing you.
When someone asks you what you do for a living, say, “At present, I work for myself. I’m working on getting a job. Do you know of anyone who is hiring?”
You are now a salesperson. You are selling yourself to prospective employers. Build a strong case to persuade them you are the best candidate for the position.
That means you have to put yourself in front of lots of prospects to increase your odds. It’s not enough to send messages to people on LinkedIn.
Of course, you need to use social media. But, do so to secure face-to-face interviews. Nothing beats sitting with a smile on your face while making a good case, you are the best person for the job.
4. Do Not Hide Behind Your Resume
Companies do NOT hire resumes. They hire people.Your resume’s purpose is to qualify you for an interview. It’s to get their attention.
It won’t lend you the job. You have to do the selling in person.Your resume cannot express your enthusiasm and positive attitude.
They will ask you to submit your resume online and expect someone to call you. That’s okay to submit it. But don’t wait for someone to call you.Pick up the phone and make the call yourself.
They might tell you that everybody has to go through the same process.Let them know you’re initiating the call because you are not everybody else. You are proactive. You don’t wait for the phone ring. You ring it.
That means you do not wait for the boss to tell you what to do. You take the initiative to get things done. That’s what superstars do in the workplace.
If the person who is on the phone does not appreciate those lines, you are talking to the wrong person.Ask for the name of the person who can value your approach.
Then send a note to the right person to reiterate what I just mentioned.You have to prove that you are unique. Don’t let your resume do your job. Drop by and ask to speak quickly with the manager who is looking candidates for five minutes.
5. Take The Spotlight Off You
We already talk about what you need to do during the interview.Know that the interviewer will keep asking you questions to shine the spotlight on you.
But, be like a politician. Set the agenda. Answer with sound bites. Then reframe the conversation to talk about what you can do for their company.
Talk about their goals instead of yours.If you know customer service is important to them, talk about it. Let them how you intend to use your strengths and skills to help them wow their customers.
They will bring up your weaknesses, such as your lack of experience in such and such. Again, just like a politician, say something like this,“I agree with you.
But, here’s what I know for sure. I’m a fast learner. I have the right attitude to master anything. That’s not a problem at all.
Give me a chance, and I promise to surprise you.”By the way, never use the phrase, “If you hire me.” Say, “When you hire me,
I will do whatever it takes to make your company number one in customer service.”But, make sure you deliver on your promises. If you are not going to do so, you might as well be like anybody.
6. Network Like Mad
You cannot land your ideal job and be a hermit. Fill up your calendar with events so you can be visible. Try to attend two to three events per week.If you live in the US, attend lots of civic clubs meetings to meet new people.
The Optimist International, Kiwanis International, and Lions International all hold meetings every single day.Your business journals publish lots of business networking events. Make sure you always have your resume with you.
The people at the events may not be in a position to hire. But they can connect you with the right people who can do so. Again, be proactive. Don’t just pass on your resume.
Ask for names and contact info to follow up.Also, remember to send a thank-you note to the person who gives you the job lead. Send one whether you got the job or not. That will go a long way.
7. Be A Follow Up Machine
Typically, the average person goes to an interview and waits for the phone to ring later. Well, people are busy.Your interviewer is not losing sleep, thinking about how bad you need a job. You are the least of his or her concerns.
Don’t take it personally when you don’t get the call.Don’t let your ego stand in your way. It’s your job to keep following up.You are thinking, “I went to the interview. I did a convincing job selling myself.
There’s no need to keep pestering the people. They will call if they need me.” Really?You should celebrate when you get the call to come for your orientation.
First, second, or third interviews don’t mean much. You have to close the sale.Keep following up.Send a handwritten thank-you note on the same day after the interview.
Thank the person for the job interview opportunity.Reaffirm your commitment to join forces with them to help them achieve their goals. Do so even if you didn’t think you did well.
Next, you want to call. Say, “Hi, I’m calling to find out where you are in your decision-making. Will you need any more information from me?” Ask for permission to follow up again in a week or two.
Remind them of your commitment to helping them achieve their goals. Say something like, “I don’t want to be a pest. I’m following up because most people never do. It’s my of proving to you that I will follow up on my promises.”
Now, if someone tells you don’t be so pushy, do not take that advice. It’s because they don’t have the courage to do it.A good employer will appreciate your strategy.
Of course, every time you call, you should always say, “I know you are busy. I’m calling you for a quick call to follow up.”
In conclusion…
If you want to distinguish yourself on the job, start proving it during the interview process. Do not listen to the naysayers.
There is plenty of work available in the job market in spite of the bad news.Being good will not cut in this new economy. You have to be amazing! Show up with your A-game.
Work hard. Show up early. Stay past your regular hours now and then. That will go a long way. You will be on the radar for future promotions. That will remove you from the layoff list.
Finally, remember this: It’s your attitude that determines your altitude. It’s what determines how long you stay unemployed.
In life we always have choices. We can choose to focus on the negative or the positive. No one can take away that power from us.
Unfortunately, a lot of people choose to focus their energy on what not working versus what’s working. When the difficult times arrive, they choose to give them the wrong meaning.
Our lessons and gifts in life don’t always come as chocolate covered ice cream. Sometimes they come as a rose stem full of thorns. It’s not until we accept the thorns and plant the stem in the water of faith, the rose begins to unfold.
Some people would ask me if I’m always happy and fired up. They think because I’m a motivational speaker, life is always amazing for me. No, I’m not always Mr. Motivator. I have had moments of despair, worries, and uncertainties just like everybody. That’s called life. Please watch this video and you will see what I mean.
If you want to learn how to get rid of bad habits and create better ones, you will need to make some sacrifices. We all have some bad habits that are preventing us from realizing our dreams. And those habits unconsciously creep on us. By the time we notice the habit, it’s already been formed.
Many people struggle in life and at work because of the habits that sneak up on them along the way. Have you ever wondered why someone is so successful in the workplace while others remain stuck in one position at the bottom of the ladder? It’s because that person develops some terrific habits of productivity.
The bad news is, it’s really hard to break those bad habits. Yes, it’s easy to form them. After all, we were present when we created them. There was no pain involved.
On the other hand, a good habit is rarely created on its own. It takes efforts to form them consciously. Fortunately, there’s a proven and scientific way to break those bad habits. That is exactly what this video is about.
Okay, why is breaking bad habits is so critical? Well, think about your future self. The habits you create now will most definitely dictate the quality of your life tomorrow.
Whether you agree with me or not, you are going to be 50, 60, or 70 years old. There’s no way around it. You will get old. You need to be kind to that 60 years old you. Be considerate and thoughtful. Be mindful.
If not, you will eventually end up living in regrets. You will be disappointed. You will live with a life full of resentments.
Nothing is sadder than meeting a grumpy old man full of regrets, moaning, complaining, and making excuses. He is blaming people, things, and circumstances. It’s the wife’s fault. It’s the government. It’s the boss. I mean one excuse after another.
How Habits Are Formed
To form a habit, it takes a trigger, behavior, and a reward. The trigger prompts you to take an action or behave a certain way. Then you feel good or great depending on the action. Every behavior has a good intention. Yes, I do mean every behavior. Even when the behavior is evil, the intention of the behavior is to reward the person.
There are two kinds of triggers. There’s the hot trigger. There’s the cold trigger.
The hot trigger is associated with instant gratification. Simply put, you get a reward instantly. You open the refrigerator, and you see the ice cream. That’s a hot trigger. You then consume the ice cream. Then you feel good. You get rewarded.
How about a cold trigger? Now, we are talking about delayed gratification. You get the reward later. Let’s say you are driving, and you hear an advertisement on the radio for something you are interested in. The announcer mentions the website.
Well, you cannot go to the site because you don’t have a computer and internet access right there. That’s a cold trigger. You will take the action and get the reward later.
The Habit Loop
So, the sequence of the trigger, routine or behavior, and reward is called the habit loop. It always happens in the same sequence without fail. Do you see how you can create some bad habits without being aware you are doing it?
How to Get Rid of Bad Habits
Okay, we talked about how we form those bad habits. How do we break them for good?
The answer is easy. Remove the triggers. Don’t put ice cream in your refrigerator. Make sure your environment is free of hot triggers.
How to Form Good Habits
To form good habits, you need to learn how to turn your cold triggers into hot triggers. As I just mentioned, if you remove alcohol or ice cream, they automatically become hot triggers.
Now, you have to get dressed, get in your car, and fight traffic to get the ice cream. All those steps might discourage you. Also, the reward is no longer instant. Since we know the brain is wired for instant gratification, it will find something else to reward it.
Keep this in mind, this is your real life. You are not on this earth to rehearse this life. Some people live as if they are coming back to do it for real. That’s pretty sad. That’s why I’m imploring you to start breaking those bad habits as soon as you.
