Difficult employees better dealt with by open communication

A leading professional in workplace motivation has stresses the importance of being able to deal with so-called 'difficult' employees.

Chief executive officer of the health education organisation Casey Centre Dr Mary Casey has said that many leaders struggle to deal with workers who - through various means - manage to disrupt the harmonious and productive atmosphere they have endeavoured to create.

Dr Casey asserts that the main issue stems from the fact that no two employees are ever exactly the same in temperament.

"You need specific strategies to most effectively deal with their personalities," said Dr Casey.

"The most beneficial action a boss can do when dealing with any employee's behaviour is giving them feedback on it immediately and holding them accountable."

This shows other employees that the manager is willing to keep communication channels open - sustaining an ongoing dialogue - and that any failure in repairing the damage will not stem from this area.

Leadership development courses that place emphasis on the importance of open-door policies, 360 degree feedback and similar tactics are trying to teach the importance of an environment that cultivates and sustains the free exchange of ideas while enforcing ongoing accountability.