Why Do Problem Employees Behave that Way?

Over a week ago I had the honor of speaking to hundreds of corporate leaders at the AIM Center on "How To Deal With Unacceptable Employee Behavior". I gave examples of 5 distinct problems I have seen in the past, they are;

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1.) Negatrons
2.) Intelligent Idiots
3.) Gossip Girls
4.) Liar Liars and
5.) Out of This World


Let me tell you a secret. Other than years of corporate experience I can relate very well with this topic because I WAS A PROBLEM EMPLOYEE MYSELF!

Yep! I had almost all of the 5 symptoms I mentioned above which kinda makes me an expert on this. As they say, it takes one to know one.

So let me spill the beans for you now and what could possible be the causes of these behaviors. Note, they can be taken singularly or as a whole demise all rolled up into one ghastly person.

A.) THE PERSON HIMSELF - He is just out of whack! It's either he knows he's doing it and deliberately or he's in complete denial that any manifestation exists. That is what a lot of primadonnas and bullies go through.

B.) THE COMPANY ITSELF - Yes, it's not just him, it's you! Case in point are the following:

a.) The Corporate Culture
b.) The Corporate Strategy
c.) The Corporate Structure and....
d.) The Leadership Style

If you look up the word "Behavior" Merriam Webster will tell you "It is a response by an organism (human, zombie or parasite) towards an external stimuli". Therefore if things are rosy between you and that employee for some time then suddenly goes south try to find out what caused the behavior and not just blame it all on the person himself. I don't believe any person was born evil or sincerely wants to do any harm unless egged on by some force.


So, what do we do?


Honestly as leaders there is only so much that we can. Through coaching and counselling (rule out exorcism and flagellation)a lot can be corrected to stir a person up. Then again as most people who have undergone rehabilitation will tell you the most powerful thing that can help anyone turn their lives around is this;


THE POWER OF CHOICE.