While most employees show up to work on time, do their job, and need little guidance or direction, there are some that seem to be more trouble than they are worth. Thankfully, it is possible to manage these problem individuals, and in some cases, the payoff is well worth the effort. The following information can help you learn more about dealing with problem employees, including those that may be a risk to your company, and it can help you discover how an experienced employment law attorney can protect your business.
The Negative Employee
Some people are negative in every setting and every situation, and you can almost guarantee that they will shoot down any great ideas that your team members come up with. These same individuals may also be resistant to change, and they may try to recruit others against any new policies or changes within the company. That can make the dangerous in any company, but they may be especially problematic in companies and industries that change rapidly or frequently. If you have one of these individuals on your payroll, put their inner critic to good use. Allow them to assist in situations where positive results matter the most - just make sure you keep them out of leadership roles.
The Perpetual Victim
Perpetual victims are the type of people that always have something going on – and it is never their fault. They struggle with accountability, and there is always an excuse if a project is late or not up to par. While not overly detrimental to the future of your business, these individuals can hurt productivity, and if given an important or time-sensitive project, you can almost guarantee that something will go wrong.
The best way to deal with these individuals is to have an honest and open talk about your expectations for them regarding attendance, performance, and other areas where they may be struggling. Make sure to also discuss the importance of accountability and reliability, and set up clear consequences and parameters for subpar performance.
The Narcissist
Narcissists tend to care only about themselves. They are unconcerned with the ways that their actions and inactions impact their team, and they only perform when there is something in it for them. If you are dealing with a narcissistic employee, consider carefully whether they are worth the effort. Some may be particularly brilliant, but not all are. The latter group may be more trouble than they are worth, but those with exceptional talent may be worth the effort – especially if you can find a way to get them to work in ways that benefit both themselves, and their team. Just know that you may not be successful at converting these individuals into valuable employees 100 percent of the time.
How Our Rolling Meadows Employment Law Attorneys Can Help Your Business
Problem employees can do damage that goes beyond bruised team morale and late projects; they may file a lawsuit against your company, or they may make crucial mistakes that harm your company’s image. Keep a handle on these issues, and many others, by ensuring your company has a clear and concise employee handbook with expectations and consequences clearly outlined. Contact Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC and ask how our
Rolling Meadows employment law attorneys can assist with your company’s needs.
About the Author: Attorney Ken Apicella is a founding partner of DGAA focusing in the areas of personal injury, employment, insurance coverage disputes, and civil litigation. Ken earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1999. He has been named a SuperLawyers Rising Star and a Forty Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch. Ken has written and lectured for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and regularly serves as a moderator at Northwest Suburban Bar Association's Continuing Legal Education seminars.
Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/245065#
