There are certain types of difficult behaviors and attitudes that occur in the workplace. Below, we have outlined the most common personalities that employers encounter in the workplace and how to approach their behavior.
Type 1: This employee has a tendency to quickly point out errors, bad results, or mistakes. As a result, this employee tends to come across as condescending to other employees and undermine innovation and morale.
Approach: This employee has critical thinking skills that need to be put to good use. Challenge this employee to improve upon others’ ideas, rather than discounting the ideas completely. Coach this employee to help make his/her presentation and style more palatable, but still offer constructive suggestions that lead to improvements.
Type 2: This employee’s personal life tends to disrupt their work life. This employee may overshare and make other employees feel uncomfortable.
Approach: Consider the oversharing may reflect underlying medical issues. Avoid harassment and miscommunication. Highlight the organization's employee assistance program or other resources that may be offered.
Regardless of the personality type, here are five (5) tips to better manage difficult personalities in the workplace:
For more tips on how to address difficult personalities in the workplace or to learn about coaching/mentoring sessions, please contact HR Partners at 785-233-7860. In addition, we would be pleased to assist you with any other HR matters your business may need guidance with.
Gwen Denton
Human Resources Director
Grandstand Glassware & Apparel
"I have worked with HR Partners for over two (2) years in an advisory and legal capacity. The HR Partners Team has made themselves available with little notice when I’ve been in need of their expertise in an immediate situation.
They are available when I want to bounce an idea or will just listen when I need to work through a situation. They have assisted with phone screens, job descriptions, policies, unemployment, FMLA, HR audit, and so much more. They are very easy to work with and I have always felt they ‘really’ cared about assisting me and our organization. Their guidance has helped me grow personally in my knowledge which extends to being a better HR Professional for my employees and my company.
Thank you HR Partners!"