|
RISING WOMEN EXPERTS...
I have an employee who thinks they are the “bees-knees” and can do no
wrong. How do I tell them they need a reality check?
By Sara Lee of S. Lee H.R. Consulting Inc.
We have all been there at one point or another in our career. We all know
about having to deal with an employee, manager, executive, vendor or yes, a
client that thinks he or she is just the “greatest thing since sliced bread”
and clearly haven’t an ounce of self awareness. It takes all your mite and
self control not to lash out (or grab them by the throat!)
Sorry, there is no magic pill to solve this problem. The key here is to
understand that they are the one with the problem, not you. That’s right.
Don’t take on their gremlins that say “you are always right and I have to
win regardless.”
The next step is to address the issue at hand by focusing on the employee’s
performance and how their behaviour has impacted their ability to be
successful.
If you have an employee who is not performing at the level you expect and
they are oblivious to this, there is one very simple word to counteract
their over confidence (which is actually lack of self-esteem but that is a
whole other article!) and that word is: FACTS.
The only way, and the most effective way to combat this type of personality,
in a constructive manner, is to enlighten the non-performer with copious
amounts of facts. Key in on how they are not performing and ask them what
steps can be taken to turn around their outcomes. Initially, they will
likely try to argue or downplay; just keep the facts coming. Word of
caution: do not do this until you are in the right frame of mind and only
when you want to see them succeed. These discussions are not meant as
retaliation or revenge. Putting them in their place is lowering yourself to
a level you don’t want to go to.
If confrontation is too stressful for you or you believe you will be
“bullied” by this personality type, go in with backup. Include another
manager or H.R. person with you. Never do this with their peer. That is not
appropriate.
Consider these wise words from John Adams, “Facts are stubborn things; and
whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our
passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”
For more practical advice on managing staff, contact Sara Lee of S.
Lee H.R. Consulting at 403.870.5253 or visit her website at
www.leeconsulting.ca
|
