CHAPTER 4
Dealing with Difficult People
In this chapter I will begin to focus on one of the hardest tasks a government manager can face—dealing with difficult employees. The task is hard for several reasons:
• No one likes to be the bad guy, and no one likes confrontation.
• It takes a lot of work to take action against an employee.
• Because of the protections afforded government employees, any action we take against a difficult employee can be overturned at a number of different levels.
• Supervisors who take action may be labeled or even ridiculed by some as being overly tough or not people friendly.
• Many supervisors will face personal attacks through grievances, EEO complaints, or even lawsuits.
• Supervisors are subject to political ...
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