Do you have a colleague with an attitude problem?

Is someone at work not pulling their weight on simple tasks?

Are you frustrated with a team member or subordinate?

If your answer is yes, this blog post is for you. Today, we're diving into people management—not just the basics of managing employees or contractors, but how we, as humans, can effectively manage each other to achieve the desired results in business.

This isn't a topic that can be covered in a single blog post, but we'll touch on some key points, especially the importance of communication.

The Importance of Communication

Effective people management boils down to communication—specifically, the words you choose and your ability to listen. When communication is effective, actions are taken, results are achieved, and businesses thrive. Conversely, when communication fails, businesses falter. People management is not just about hierarchical roles; it's about how we all, in our daily interactions, manage each other.

For instance, I recently observed my 11-year-old son managing his 13-year-old brother to replace a basketball net. He knew he couldn't do it alone, so he enlisted help, negotiated assistance, and achieved his goal. This simple scenario illustrates that we all manage people in various aspects of our lives, often without realizing it.

Understanding Working Styles

In the workplace, we aim for a common goal but come with different expertise, knowledge, and perspectives. Misaligned working styles can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. For example, in a remote or hybrid work environment, differing communication habits can create friction. One person may prioritize constant check-ins, while another focuses on tasks and checks messages sporadically.

To resolve such conflicts, the key is to communicate working styles and expectations clearly. Discussing and understanding each other's needs can help bridge the gap, ensuring smoother collaboration.

Addressing Unresponsiveness

An unresponsive team member can be frustrating. Whether due to differing working styles or a lack of understanding, the solution lies in setting clear expectations and providing consistent feedback. For example, specifying response times for emails and instant messages during working hours can establish a mutual understanding and improve responsiveness.

For independent contractors, these expectations can be detailed in the contract, ensuring clarity from the outset. Regular feedback and reiterating the benefits of meeting these expectations can foster a more responsive and cooperative work environment.

Handling Attitude Problems

Attitude problems can stem from various sources. If a previously cooperative team member becomes difficult, it's essential to address the issue with genuine concern. This could involve personal issues or workplace conflicts that need to be understood and managed.

Conversely, if a new hire is consistently difficult, setting clear expectations and providing constructive feedback is crucial. Conversations should focus on observed behaviors and their impact, not on personal characteristics. This approach fosters a more positive and cooperative working relationship.

Dealing with Threats to Leave

When a team member frequently threatens to leave, leveraging their indispensable skills, it's vital to address the root cause. Openly discussing the perceived threats and the discomfort they cause can help manage the situation. Additionally, making their role less critical by cross-training or hiring additional support can reduce their leverage.

Ultimately, transparency and trust are key. If an employee uses threats as a negotiation tactic, it's essential to consider whether such behavior aligns with your organizational values.

Conclusion

People management is an ongoing process that hinges on effective communication. Setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and understanding individual working styles are fundamental to fostering a positive and productive work environment. Whether managing employees, contractors, or even personal relationships, these principles remain the same.

Embrace the challenge of people management with confidence. You are strong, capable, and wise. I believe in you.

To Hear More on this topic, listen to this episode on the the Opt In Podcast or watch this YouTube video.