Every organization has a problem employee, and hopefully just a handful! I know we are all human and have our issues, but employees that cause chaos, drama and problems at work drive me crazy! Their energy brings nothing of value to the workplace and only distracts and creates setbacks. Who are these people and what makes them tick? What’s wrong with them? What do they want? Let’s explore the problem employee in the workplace.
Characteristics of the Problem Employee
The problem employee has a tough time working easily or well with others. They find reasons to not get along or areas of conflict to inflate. The truth is that most of us have much more in common than not.
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Their job performance is usually not stellar. In fact, it is usually sub-par. Their job isn’t their main focus, so it makes sense that they wouldn’t perform well. They are instead focused on problems, personalities and conflict. This wastes a lot of time and resources.
Problem employees rarely take responsibility for their own actions. They would rather blame others for their problems or mistakes. It is easier to shift the blame rather than explaining one’s self.
Arrogance is another common characteristic of the problem employee. They know better and are superior to those around them. They don’t work well with others because they are simply too good to.
They don’t like to be criticized or coached by management or leadership. When they are coached, they barely listen or take anything to heart. After all, they are right anyway! Do you see how a lot of these characteristics are interconnected and associated with one another?
Problem employees like things the way they are and resist change in the workplace. Change represents threats and challenges to them.
Rarely are problem employees positive. Their energy is usually negative, sarcastic, or disingenuous. The problem is they also attract other employees who exert the same types of energy and you end up with a flock of negative employees.
Work ethic? That’s for employees who care about the company, others, and the mission. Unfortunately, problem employees are focused on other things and work ethic is not one of them.
Finally, the problem employee is a terrible communicator. This is partially due to the fact that they don’t share genuine emotions or feelings. They don’t work well with others because they don’t communicate well with others. It’s all related.
Final Words on The Problem Employee
The workplace is an environment that should be positive, effective and efficient, productive and professional. And while most employees fit this description, there are many who don’t. Problem employees may have emotional problems that are unresolved. They have difficulty forming genuine relationships at work. They allow personal problems to get in the way at work. They blame others and don’t take responsibility for their own actions. They make excuses, don’t keep their promises and are disrespectful. Do you employ this person? Are you this person?
(NOTE: Interested in learning more about Leadership in health care? Checkout my Leadership CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)