As the HR rep in a small business, it is often challenging in helping supervisors deal with difficult employees. Especially those employees who are really good workers but who seem to constantly criticize. Like Eeyore, in the Christopher Robbins saga, everything appears to be on the verge of going wrong at best and at worst – headed for certain disaster.
In order to motivate this type of person, it’s essential to understand what’s causing him or her to be critical. There is a personality type that is essentially a critic, one who automatically screens for what could go wrong and points it out. It’s not that s/he is trying to be difficult or negative. This personality type earnestly wants to help prevent problems. They are a natural at Quality Control or Workplace Safety.
This employee is typically hardworking and can be a great asset to the company if his or her energies are channeled in a positive direction. The first thing to do is ask what the employee sees as a better alternative than what it is s/he is criticizing. That doesn’t mean that the suggestion has to be implemented. Be prepared to say if the suggestions will be utilized or not. Be certain that you communicate directly that his/her suggestions have been seriously considered.
Once the naysayer has been engaged by digging a little and honestly listening to his/her input, they can get on with making a positive contribution in your small business. After all, small businesses are usually short on resources and help like this can be valuable.