Every HR Manager has their special story about a difficult employee. Every organization has them and they represent ongoing challenges for HR Managers. Difficult employees come in many forms and the chances are you have run into more than one in your career:
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Always Negative and Not Shy About Complaining –The glass is always half empty, they are cynical, unenthusiastic and usually uncooperative and have no problem sharing their negative opinions with others.
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The Superstar – The high performing employee who believes they can do no wrong. Arrogant and egotistical and no one wants to work with or for them.
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Passive-Aggressive – This can be one of the most challenging. The employee who seemingly agrees with a plan and then goes off and does his or her own Hostile-Aggressive – In today’s work environment, this type of employee can cause fear in the workplace. They are demanding, argumentative, and you may have seen signs of abusive or violent behavior.
Whatever their modus operandi (MO), it is typically up to HR to handle these individuals. As an HR professional, your role is to try and diffuse situations. You are responsible to coach valued employees to change their negative behavior as well as to prevent discrimination and nuisance lawsuits against the company.