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Adapted from Savvy strategies can control problems with office staff, by Jeff Evans in OB.GYN News
Have stressful conditions knocked your department off-kilter? A simple analytical process can help you get temperamental workers acting like a team again, says Miami psychologist Larry Harmon. Start by determining each employee's underlying workplace motivation. Some people focus on emptying their in-boxes as fast as possible, for instance- while others try to get every detail right before finishing a project. Another type of worker prizes making social connections on the job above all, while earning approval drives a fourth group.
In pressure-packed situations, these four employee types create special kinds of havoc. But once you uncover their basic motivations, it's easier to understand and defuse disruptive behavior. Consider the task-oriented person, for example. If external forces slow his race to the finish line, he'll likely become either a "Sherman tank" rolling over people in his path or a "sarcastic sniper" who peppers colleagues with snide comments, Harmon says.
Meanwhile, the detail worker might morph into a "picky perfectionist" who refuses to forge ahead with projects her way. In tension-filled departments, the socializers often turn into needy approval seekers. And folks who are normally motivated by approval start unleashing negative outbursts to get attention.
Initiate the healing process by talking with workers about their motivations and how they're not being met. Discuss the damage caused by their negative reactions, and commit to addressing reasonable concerns in exchange for improved behavior. If an employee reacts defensively, ask him to tell you more. When he finishes venting, simply restate your proposed bargain.
"About 60-80 percent of staff will make the [make the] change if you repeat this method," Harmon says. "When you do interventions, you'll be able to make them work together better."
If you would like more information and/or training on personalities in the workplace, visit Executive Coaching to view descriptions of our specialized products and offerings including employee and management roundtable discussions on “Work Style Profiles.”
Working Solutions is a non-profit organization providing employee training and leadership development services for healthcare organizations, non-profits and corporations. This retention tip is published monthly to provide tips, strategies and new ideas for HR professionals, managers and executives to help retain their employees.
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