Just about every manager has dealt with a difficult employee. They may be good at their job— an excellent one at that but their behavior reeks of trouble and toxicity. We often refer to them as “toxic” or “problematic” people— the kind whom no one wants to hang out with after office hours. The type of person whose negativity could force a ripple effect throughout the office until everyone else is infected. For this reason, managers are stuck with a big problem– and that is how to deal with toxic people at work.
The unfortunate thing is, managers tend to get held hostage to these people. They spend an unfortunate amount of time dealing with them, emotionally and physically. This is but a sad reality and an inevitable landscape for managers. However, it must be addressed head-on so that it doesn’t affect the productivity and the relationship of the entire team.
What should an excellent manager do in this situation? Here are ways you can do to deal with difficult employees.
Here’s how to deal with toxic people at work:
1. Establish your expectations for employee behavior beforehand
It is an essential responsibility of a manager to set their expectations for employees. It eliminates confusion and increases the likelihood of a healthy relationship. For starters, your employees are not mind-readers. You need to give an overview of your expectations for their output and behavior.
It’s obvious that each one must maintain basic human decency. However, managers should still make it clear for the employees. Let them know that you value a positive and respectful attitude. Express how you want them to work with honesty and integrity. Be clear about how you want them to conduct themselves professionally even when they are off duty.
So when things get out of hand, for instance, after all your laid out expectations, they still turn out to be problematic, you have the advantage to address it better.
It will be easy for you to call them out (take note: professionally) and give them a warning since you provided them with expectations beforehand.
Another helpful technique is to create an annual employee performance review. All the employees in your team should participate. Establish how you want them to work with each other and how you appreciate a positive atmosphere within the department.
Read: 4 Proven Ways on How to be Productive
2. How to deal with toxic people in the workplace? Confront them diplomatically
Most managers don’t want to deal with knotty personnel issues. Nonetheless, in the case where it’s bothering you and your employees, you have no other choice but to do so. When confronting the employee, make sure you stay calm and give clear behavioral feedback. Giving straightforward feedback is one of the most uncomfortable things to do. Yet, it is something that you have to learn to do reasonably well.
Don’t describe their issue as an attitude problem. It may sound subjective and will seem like a personal problem rather than a behavioral policy problem. Try to cite policies that you or the company had set. This will draw the difference between their negative behavior and expected morale for the employees.
Be consistent with your complaint. If you are not okay with their performance, don’t beat around the bush. Do not be okay with it but sometimes be okay with it. Sugarcoating your words won’t help at all.
3. Refer to the HR
Managers may not be able to handle the trouble effectively, but the HR sure can. The HR people have had training and seminars that funded them with the methods on how to tackle such issues. They will advise you on the best way to handle the issue in accordance with the organization’s culture. Additionally, they will provide you the needed documentation and time frames.
When you take matters like this with your own hands, you are making your workplace better for everyone. Sure, confrontations are too dramatic for you, it’s totally not your forte. But let your employees know that you value your own expectations. Let them know that you appreciate the contributions of your hard-working and trouble-free employees.