Last Updated on February 14, 2019 by Jessica Adams
It’s difficult when we suffer external problems with our business, such as losing customers, having difficulties with clients, and so many things that are beyond our control. When we suffer internal conflict, like when an employee has a problem with you and how you operate, it’s hard not to take it personally.
This is, however, something that we can develop a thick skin towards over time. But when we are focused on growing our small business, any form of dissatisfaction within the ranks can overwhelm us. So, with that in mind, what do you do if an employee has a problem with you?
What Do You Do
If An Employee Has
A Problem With You?
Taking “The Personal Approach”
Perhaps the employee in question hasn’t come to you directly about their problem with you?
If you learned about the employee’s issues from another team member you may decide whether to even take ‘the personal approach’.
Ultimately, the real problem we have when undertaking the personal approach with someone in this situation is to actually listen to their concerns.
Sometimes we don’t want to hear bad news, but if we are to learn and develop, it’s essential. Instead of being annoyed or irritated, listen…
Ask For Real Feedback
Feedback is one of those important tools that can save a business, as well as its founder.
If we don’t ask for real feedback so we can improve ourselves, then we’ll forever be stuck in a time warp of antiquated notions.
And this will only serve to confirm your employee’s worst fears about you. Asking for feedback is one small step that can result in a massive change for everyone’s betterment.
If Worse Comes To Worst…
Then there’s that good old ‘worst case scenario’ we never want to envision but unfortunately, have to entertain.
Let’s say that the “employee” we’ve used as an example throughout this piece, well he/she has a vendetta against you.
Or worse, they decide that they just have no intention of ever working with you to make things better.
It’s may be difficult to hear but there are people that have nothing better happening in their lives than to wait around for us to trip up.
Know When To Seek Legal Advice
It’s a very upsetting thing to have to go through but the legal route is likely the essential option for providing your defense. Labor and employment law firms like Ogletree Deakins can help you with the litigation side of things.
If an employee decides to spark legal action, it’s a disaster in terms of PR, inside and out. And going through this can result in a lot of personal woes.
But if the crazy situation does come to light and you have to go through legal proceedings, it’s important to arm yourself with the best legal resources.
Of course, compliance is something you have to make sure you’re doing by the boo. This means that to do it right, you need to cover our tracks, in a legal sense.
If an employee has a problem with you personally or professionally, the most important thing you can do is work at solving the problem before it gets blown out of proportion.
It’s far too easy for us to take things personally. After all, our judgment is being questioned. But if we are to understand that this sort of conflict as a potential part of the business world, we can more quickly develop a thick skin.
Jessica Rose Adams
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