151 Quick Ideas to Deal With Difficult People

9Make Sure the Employee Understands

At times my coworkers’ version of a staff meeting differs so dramatically from mine that I wonder if we attended the same meeting. In essence, our own assumptions and interpretations produced the conflicting messages. That’s why follow-up questions are so important. They allow a manager to clear up ambiguities.

Assignment

Jot “G&T” on a piece of paper to remind yourself to make sure all your conversations with difficult employees are Give & Take.

When you’re dealing with a problem employee, ambiguity is something you want to avoid at all cost. Does the person understand that getting to work on time means being at his or her desk at 9 a.m. and not pulling into the parking lot? Does the person understand that ...