Advice on managing difficult people?

[cassie]

You might get the book THE SOCIOPATH NEXT DOOR. See if it fits....

 

[PineappleMama]

Put out ads, online, paper, etc. Spread the word.

Those that WANT a job will come looking. Esp. in this economy. Maybe you won't find anyone, but there's always a chance that if dinkus gets word that you're looking then he'll decide maybe he should try doing his job before he loses it.

Worth a shot anyways.

 

[Xtina]

Thanks for all the great and funny advice, guys. It's a complicated situation that I can't really explain fully without writing up pages and pages about it. So complicated I barely even get it myself. On the one hand, he's on the chopping block. On the other hand, my worst fear is that he will get away with it for years here like he did at the last place. I have definitely gone the "document it and report it" route for a long time with him till it got to the point where the last company told me they would never fire him so I just quit trying. When they finally did fire him (for something completely unrelated to his quality of work), everything there got better.

When it comes to assigning him tasks, his job is one of information gatherer and client liaison. All I need from him is to actually gather the information, which he really stinks at. The reason he's often viewed as "irreplaceable" is because he has the unique skill to bully angry customers into submission. The bosses have always been afraid to move someone out of that position because it would mean that clients would have to be moved to another representative, which doesn't seem so bad to me but has always caused executives to shudder.

I feel like it's just hopeless. I guess I'm looking for the magic words to say to him to get him to actually do even just one thing that I ask of him, but I know no such words exist because it's not within his capability to be a competent employee. So maybe I'm just venting.

 

[PineappleMama]

Magic Words: Your job is up for grabs on Monster.com

add a sweet smile and a "just thought you'd like to know" and walk away.

Don't know that I could resist if I was in your shoes.

But, don't let your higher ups pansiness effect you documenting. Should he ever be let go you never know if he might decide to come after YOU (company or you personally) in court... cover your own tail, even if the supers don't appreciate it.

 

[Xtina]

Oh man, I've definitely told him before that I was considering firing him. Believe me, his reaction isn't one of contrition when that happens. He just finds a way to make you regret ever speaking with him at all.

 

[PineappleMama]

Ohh.. well then don't tell him, just post the opening and wait for someone else to do the honors.

Small communities, word will spread... might actually enjoy watching the show...

Bonus points for if he sees you walking someone he doesn't recognize into your office....interviewee... or you have any friends he doesn't know that could pose an an interviewee until a real one comes through?

He seems to very much enjoy messing with your mind, don't see why you shouldn't return the favor... and if anyone asks you tell them it's your friend... not an interview what are you talking about... oh yes... I could SO have fun with this...

 

[rufus]

The boss my see you as the one causing the problem. It may be your management style. Remember, you can't push a string, but you sure can pull it. The secret to good management is to get people to do what you need them to do and be happy doing it.

Too often I have found that female employees got their management skills at the "momma" school of personnel. Don't bark commands like you are dealing with a four year old. This will be resented, and you will get minimal cooperation. Deal with employees with dignity.

Remember, you manage things, but people are lead. Are you a manager, or are you a leader?

Rufus

 

[Mattemma]

Put the feelers out in other locations for this mans work skills.Someone somewhere might be willing to relocate for this position and be GRATEFUL for the job. There are many ways to deal with angry clients-bully tactics are only one.

In the end though YOU may also lose your job because you are not able to manage those in your charge.Do what you have too and do not let it drag out any longer.It just makes you look bad.Consult with your superiors that you feel ending this mans employment is the best option for the company.If they feel he is the one that can not be replaced it might still come back to you being replaced.Maybe HE will get your job since he is so good at pushing people around. Tough situation for you.

 

[twentynine]

Okay

You have tried reasoning--- didn't work

You have tried threatening---- didn't work

You have tried begging---- didn't work


Knock him in the head with a golf club--- worked for Tiger Woods.

My advice is to go ahead and get it over with, if you do it now while you are young, you will be up for parole before you get to old.

 

[sourland]

Are you and the company going to wait until his performance affects that of everyone else? I can not comprehend how anyone like this can be an asset regardless of his skills. I would have started documentation from jump street, and he would be gone by now. Read what Rufus said. How long until this gets turned around and your job is on the line? It's a tough situation but will only get worse unless addressed. How did he ever get hired if his records indicate he lost his job due to insubordination and lack of performance? The world is full of bullies replace him with another. What kind of client caves to bullies?