negative employee clicks
![Sara](http://hrforms.blr.com/plugins/DefaultAvatars/design/LBlueAvatar.jpg)
What is the most appropriate response to a "negative click"?
How do you handle the click leader who is negative, always griping and geting folks to jump on the negative train?
This leader goes above chain of command on occasion and incites other troops often not knowing the whole story behind any given situation.
Help! Have a meeting planned soon.
How do you handle the click leader who is negative, always griping and geting folks to jump on the negative train?
This leader goes above chain of command on occasion and incites other troops often not knowing the whole story behind any given situation.
Help! Have a meeting planned soon.
Comments
Require these employees to bring all complaints to their supervisor first (unless they're accusing the supervisor of improper conduct like harassment). Supervisors are in the best position to evaluate employees' complaints, fix problems, and educate ill-informed employees.
The absolute worst thing managers or executives can do in a situation like this is to allow an employee to repeatedly go behind his or her supervisor's back. That undermines the supervisor's authority and can lead to management forming inaccurate opinions.
Whenever employees try to complain to a manager over their supervisor's head, the manager's very first words should be, "Did your talk to your supervisor about this?" If the answer is no, the manager should send the employee back to the supervisor. (I'd be more lenient on an employee who's bypassing the chain of command for the first time.)
Your situation will be out of control as long as the trouble-making employees know that they can get their boss in hot water with a half-baked complaint.
I agree that an honest and straight forward talk with the "click leader" is in order. I would also recommend that you only deal with employees in this situation on a one on one basis, to avoid the appearance of concerted activity being recognized by the Company. I have spoken with this type of negative influence, and pointed out that not every work situation is suited to every person. I would carefully discuss the negative impact on productivity this person is having, and let them know that you can not afford to allow this to continue-but that he/she will determine the course of action you have to take by his/her choice of actions.
Plus, its always possible he is aware of real problems that should be addressed.
Good luck!
I had an employee like this in a union shop in Florida once. We ended up promoting him to a supervisory position with great success. He now manages a complete facility in south Texas.