As a manager, it’s not your job to be your employees’ friend. However, it is your responsibility to help them, provide encouragement and contribute to a healthy, productive work environment. While you may have a great relationship with most of the people on your team, one disrespectful employee can throw everything off and make others question your authority. Learn what you can do to manage an unruly employee, which may include working with a career coach if things get too uncomfortable or out of hand.

4 Tips For Dealing With A Disrespectful Team Member

1. Keep a Record

Document each instance of an employee’s bad behavior, such as interrupting you during a meeting, being rude when you ask about a project or disappearing without explanation. Keep your document to the facts and eliminate colorful or invective language. Refer to your records whenever you need to confront the employee or speak with upper management about letting the person go. Documentation provides proof so people have more than just your word to avoid wrongful termination lawsuits.

2. Listen

Be an active listener. Many disgruntled employees complain that their managers are never available to talk about their work or listen to their concerns. Be sure to make your availability clear to everyone on your team, and that they are welcome to chat whenever they need to. Maintain a positive, curious and open mindset during every meeting so you never come off as judgmental, unprofessional or petty. The more your employees trust you, the more respect you will receive.

3. Focus On Positive Feedback

When talking with your unhappy employee, emphasize what they are doing right, such as always being on time and providing customers with detail-oriented assistance. Discuss what you would like the employee to do differently while acknowledging if and when you are a part of the problem.  Accepting blame, such as a tendency to micromanage, and discussing what you can do differently turns accusations into meaningful conversations.

4. Stay Firm

Remain firm in your desire to change your employee’s work behavior. As important as it is to do your part in changing the office environment, it is equally essential for your employee to give you the respect you deserve. Even if your employee does not like you personally, there is no reason to behave unprofessionally at work.

If you still have problems, consult an executive coach about your options.
 

Get the help your team needs from Margaret M. Enloe, Esq., the legal career coach in Manhattan, NY. This certified motivational speaker has over 30 years of industry experience and offers a non-judgmental, active listening approach to workplace challenges. Email me@margaretenloe.com today to set up an appointment or visit her online for more consulting service information. Follow her on Twitter to add work life tips to your feed.