I heard this comment last week, it wasn’t the first time and I’m sure it won’t be the last, “she can do whatever she wants”. This is usually meant in a bad way, this is a person who tells the owner or the manager when, where, and how they will do things. I’m sure you know the type of person I am talking about. Now people don’t usually start of this way, they are created. How does this happen? It usually starts with a little negative behavior, then it becomes greater and they aren’t told its “unacceptable”. It continues without repurcusions and then the next thing you know you have created a monster. A person who is now telling you how to do your job! Have you done this to yourself?
It’s not too late to turn this around, if you really want to, with patience and persistence. The key here is that you really want to make the change. You are willing to dedicate your time and effort to turning around a person who does a good job but has a bad attitude. I say this since people will say they want the change because other employees are complaining or its causing them other problems – but they don’t really mean it.
Want to create the change? It takes TWO steps.
Discussion. You need to sit down with your “monster” person and have a conversation. In this conversation you will explain that unfortunately you have let them get by with this behavior and you will need to be specific. Explain that you are willing to work with them in getting this changed and you want the best for them as this will no longer be accepted. In doing so, each time you witness or hear about the negative attitude or unacceptable behavior you will bring it to their attention. Essentially what your doing here is laying the foundation of your expectations.
Take charge. This is the hardest part – you need to start calling their attention to each incident of improper behavior. This is where the persistence comes in, you cannot let even the slightest deviation of accepted behavior go unnoticed. I know it sounds tedious and requires a lot of energy to stay on track. Keep the end in mind, keep the goal in mind, and keep in mind what it is that you’re trying to achieve.
Has this happened to you? Share your “monster” stories below.