Online Class: Managing Difficult Employees

This course provides best practices for reducing the problematic behaviors among employees that cause unnecessary conflict and impede productivity.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Ocean County Library
 
  • 15
    Lessons
  • 17
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 48
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 10
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.0
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Mastering the Management of Difficult Employees: A Comprehensive Guide

Every manager, at some point in their career, faces the challenge of working with difficult employees. These individuals exist in every business and industry, and their presence can significantly impact team dynamics and overall productivity. Understanding how to effectively navigate such challenges is crucial for ensuring the success of the team and the organization.

Our meticulously curated course provides an all-inclusive guide for managers, equipping them with actionable strategies and insights to address various challenges posed by difficult employees. From the initial phases of recruitment to potential exit strategies, this course is your ultimate toolkit for effectively managing challenging workplace dynamics.

Course Overview

The contemporary business landscape is ever-evolving. As per recent data, employee-related challenges rank high among managerial concerns, significantly affecting organizational productivity. This course dives deep into:

  1. Defining a Difficult Employee: Understand the different facets that categorize an employee as 'difficult' and the impact they can have on team morale and productivity.

  2. Pre-Hiring Identification: Learn strategies to spot potential red flags during the hiring process, minimizing the risk of onboarding problematic employees.

  3. Onboarding Protocols: Develop effective onboarding processes that cultivate a positive work environment, reducing the chances of negative behaviors from the outset.

  4. Effective Communication: Delve into the importance of open dialogue, fostering an environment where problems are addressed head-on and solutions are collaboratively sought.

  5. Motivation and Re-engagement: Explore techniques to reignite an employee's passion and drive, transforming negative behaviors into positive outcomes.

  6. Managerial Perspective: Learn the importance of adaptability and the role of a manager in ensuring team harmony.

  7. Performance Improvement Plans: Understand how to craft and implement effective performance improvement plans that benefit both the employee and the organization.

  8. Healthy Workplace Relationships: Grasp the importance of mature, adult-adult interactions in the workplace, and how to avoid falling into negative parent-child dynamics.

  9. Human Resources Intervention: Recognize when to escalate issues to HR and the processes involved.

  10. Navigating Endings: Understand the complexities involved in parting ways, ensuring the best outcome for all parties involved.

  11. Best Practices: A summary of the essential strategies and methodologies for managing difficult employees.

Each lesson in this course is bolstered with real-life case studies, actionable assignments, and rigorous exams to ensure thorough understanding and application of the knowledge gained.

Why This Course?

Navigating the challenges posed by difficult employees requires a blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and actionable insights. This course is designed to provide managers with a holistic understanding of the various aspects involved in managing difficult employees, equipping them with the tools needed to turn potential challenges into opportunities for growth and development.

Whether you're a new manager looking to develop your skills or an experienced leader wanting to enhance your toolkit, this course offers invaluable insights that can be directly applied to your workplace. Dive in and transform your managerial journey today!

 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.6 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(30 votes)
  • Lesson 1: What is a Difficult Employee?

    This first lesson will focus on these topics: a. Types of Difficult Employees b. Reasons for difficult employees
  • Lesson 2: How Do Difficult Employees Affect the Workplace?

    This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. Effect on Company Culture b. Effect on Colleagues c. Effect on Business Objectives
  • Lesson 3: How to Identify Difficult Employees Prior to Hire

    This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. Interview Process b. Shadow Day c. Group Interviews d. Behavioral Interview Questions e. Reference Checks f. Networking
  • Lesson 4: How to Onboard New Employees to Mitigate the Risk of a Difficult Employee

    This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. What does an effective onboarding program look like and what is the purpose? b. discuss expectations and responsibilities c. train with employees that understand company culture and expectations
  • Lesson 5: Look for Red Flags

    This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. Other Employees Complaints b. Feedback from Customers or Vendors c. 90-Day Hire
  • Lesson 6: Go Straight to the Problem and Listen

    This lesson will focus on these topics: a. Sometimes you have inherited the problem, what is the real problem? b. Allow for feedback from the employee to the get to the root cause of the problem.
  • Lesson 7: Don’t Ignore the Problem

    This lesson will focus on these topics: a. being easier to just let it slide than take action b. setting consequences c. how this affects more than just the difficult employee d. how can it be addressed but still be respectful
  • Lesson 8: Re-Engage the Employee

    This lesson will focus on these topics: a. methods for engagement b. responsibilities outside of job c. part of a team
  • Lesson 9: Motivate the Employee

    This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. Praise when praise is due. b. Determine what motivates the employee to want to do well for the organization.
  • Lesson 10: Shift Managerial Perspective

    This lesson will focus on these topics: a. Are the assignments too easy or hard for the employee? b. Has an environment of fostering creativity and making mistakes been created? c. Does the employee feel that they are not growing and developing?
  • Lesson 11: Performance Improvement Plan

    This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. creating measurable goals b. document, document, document c. following up often and consistently
  • Lesson 12: React as Adults, Not Like it's a Parent-Child Relationship

    This lesson will focus on these topics: a. respecting one another b. empathy for the difficult employee c. not talking about the employee behind their back
  • Lesson 13: When to Involve HR

    This lesson will focus on these topics: a. Bullying b. Abusive Behavior c. Stealing Time from Company d. Failing to Meet Deadlines
  • Lesson 14: When to Say Goodbye

    This lesson will focus on these topics: a. how to know when to let the employee go b. when can an employee be transferred c. unhappy with coworkers d. unhappy with work assignment
  • Lesson 15: Best Practices Summary for Managing Difficult People

    This lesson will focus on these topics: a. How to Identify Prior to Hire b. How to Onboard to Set Expectations c. Be on the Lookout for Red Flags d. Go Straight to the Problem e. Methods to Try to Get Back on Track f. When to Move On
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Managing Difficult Employees
Course Number: 57700107
Lessons Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (30 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: With online access available nationwide, this course reaches all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Additionally, it’s open to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: May 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.0 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Linda Zavadil
Syllabus: View Syllabus

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