Dealing with Grumpy Employees/ Contractors?
When it comes to dealing with grumpy employees or contractors, it's important to first define what exactly is meant by "grumpy". As a business owner, it's inevitable that at times team members may express frustration or dissatisfaction, and that's just part of the human experience. However, there is a threshold that shouldn't be crossed, and it's crucial to recognize where your boundaries lie and establish them clearly.
For me, the key to managing grumpiness in my team has always been open and honest communication. I give my team members plenty of opportunities to correct their behavior, allowing for multiple chances to adjust their approach to communication. When someone approaches me with a grumpy attitude, I assume that there is an underlying issue with the way we are communicating, whether it's verbal or nonverbal.
In my experience, it's important to take into consideration how quickly a team member bounces back from a negative interaction. Do they reach out afterwards to apologize or explain their behavior? Analyzing the relationship you have with that person and how they react to communication mishaps can help you determine if this is just a one-off occurrence or if it's a recurring issue.
Of course, there are situations where a team member is just not a good fit culturally, or their communication style is constantly crossing your boundaries. In those cases, it's best to part ways. However, what I've learned is that effective communication is critical to the success of any business. If you can elicit a response from your team that is respectful, meets your boundaries, and feels good, that's incredibly powerful.
You don't want to rely on team members who simply think and communicate in the same way that you do because that's not always going to happen. Instead, focus on developing the skill to communicate effectively with anyone on your team, eliciting a response that meets your expectations and fosters the positive relationship you desire with your team.
Managing employees is a topic we cover HEAVILY in our new course, Cleaning for Profit: Train Your Team and Boost Your Bottom Line. For more info, visit the course page here!