How to Manage a High Maintenance Employee
June 19th, 2012Toddlers can be needy. Pets can certainly fit the bill. But what do you do when you have a high maintenance or needy employee?
First, take a deep breath. As a leading Coeur d’Alene, Idaho staffing services firm, Provisional knows that while needy employees can be frustrating, sometimes they’re also the best employees you have. But it’s imperative you manage them properly. If you don’t, then they can wind up being productivity and morale killers in the workplace.
To keep your sanity, and that of your other employees, here are some tips to consider for managing your neediest employees:
1. Keep the Lines of Communication Open.
High maintenance employees oftentimes need to vent or need advice or guidance in certain areas. And if they know they can come to you whenever necessary, then you can offer them the information and feedback they need to hear to get back to work and do their jobs.
2. Know the Unique Needs of Your Employees.
Every employee has their nuances when it comes to what motivates them and how they’re best managed. And an employee who seems high maintenance typically has a lot of strengths; they just need a lot of guidance along the way. So understand this unique need and use that information to head off any potential issues that might arise out of their neediness.
3. Outline Clear Expectations.
Many times, high maintenance employees work best in situations where there are clear goals, standards and expectations. When they have a defined set of parameters, then they will typically perform at their best.
4. Offer Some Autonomy.
While needy employees do require some hand-holding, they also need some autonomy to carry out their jobs. So be clear about how much control you’re giving them and then let them run with it.
5. Don’t Take Their Neediness Personally.
It can be easy to get annoyed or frustrated at employees who are high maintenance. But every employee has their unique quirks, and unless they’re disrupting the rest of the team or impacting productivity, then you just need to deal with it.
Need Help Supplementing Your Workforce?
If you do, give Provisional a call. As a leading Coeur d’Alene, Idaho staffing services firm, we have an extensive network of staffing experts ready to deliver the professionals you need. Contact Provisional today to learn more.
