Online Class: Managing Difficult Employees

This course provides best practices for reducing the problematic behaviors among employees that cause unnecessary conflict and impede productivity.

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  • 15
    Lessons
  • 17
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 54
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 10
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.0
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Mastering the Management of Difficult Employees: A Comprehensive Guide

Every manager, at some point in their career, faces the challenge of working with difficult employees. These individuals exist in every business and industry, and their presence can significantly impact team dynamics and overall productivity. Understanding how to effectively navigate such challenges is crucial for ensuring the success of the team and the organization.

Our meticulously curated course provides an all-inclusive guide for managers, equipping them with actionable strategies and insights to address various challenges posed by difficult employees. From the initial phases of recruitment to potential exit strategies, this course is your ultimate toolkit for effectively managing challenging workplace dynamics.

Course Overview

The contemporary business landscape is ever-evolving. As per recent data, employee-related challenges rank high among managerial concerns, significantly affecting organizational productivity. This course dives deep into:

  1. Defining a Difficult Employee: Understand the different facets that categorize an employee as 'difficult' and the impact they can have on team morale and productivity.

  2. Pre-Hiring Identification: Learn strategies to spot potential red flags during the hiring process, minimizing the risk of onboarding problematic employees.

  3. Onboarding Protocols: Develop effective onboarding processes that cultivate a positive work environment, reducing the chances of negative behaviors from the outset.

  4. Effective Communication: Delve into the importance of open dialogue, fostering an environment where problems are addressed head-on and solutions are collaboratively sought.

  5. Motivation and Re-engagement: Explore techniques to reignite an employee's passion and drive, transforming negative behaviors into positive outcomes.

  6. Managerial Perspective: Learn the importance of adaptability and the role of a manager in ensuring team harmony.

  7. Performance Improvement Plans: Understand how to craft and implement effective performance improvement plans that benefit both the employee and the organization.

  8. Healthy Workplace Relationships: Grasp the importance of mature, adult-adult interactions in the workplace, and how to avoid falling into negative parent-child dynamics.

  9. Human Resources Intervention: Recognize when to escalate issues to HR and the processes involved.

  10. Navigating Endings: Understand the complexities involved in parting ways, ensuring the best outcome for all parties involved.

  11. Best Practices: A summary of the essential strategies and methodologies for managing difficult employees.

Each lesson in this course is bolstered with real-life case studies, actionable assignments, and rigorous exams to ensure thorough understanding and application of the knowledge gained.

Why This Course?

Navigating the challenges posed by difficult employees requires a blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and actionable insights. This course is designed to provide managers with a holistic understanding of the various aspects involved in managing difficult employees, equipping them with the tools needed to turn potential challenges into opportunities for growth and development.

Whether you're a new manager looking to develop your skills or an experienced leader wanting to enhance your toolkit, this course offers invaluable insights that can be directly applied to your workplace. Dive in and transform your managerial journey today!

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.6 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(30 votes)

Lesson 1: What is a Difficult Employee?

11 Points
This first lesson will focus on these topics: a. Types of Difficult Employees b. Reasons for difficult employees Additional lesson topics: Whatever It Takes: Master the Habits to Transform Your Business, Relationships, and Life; Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People: Over 325 Ready-to-Use Words and Phrases for Working with Challenging Personalities
  • Complete Assignment: Course Introduction and Goals
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: How Do Difficult Employees Affect the Workplace?

9 Points
This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. Effect on Company Culture b. Effect on Colleagues c. Effect on Business Objectives Additional lesson topics: A practical guide to managing difficult employees; Company Culture Doesn’t Just Impact Well-Being — It Also Impacts Productivity
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: How to Identify Difficult Employees Prior to Hire

9 Points
This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. Interview Process b. Shadow Day c. Group Interviews d. Behavioral Interview Questions e. Reference Checks f. Networking Additional lesson topics: How to spot toxic employees before you hire them; Several Ways to Know If You Are Hiring A Toxic Employee
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: How to Onboard New Employees to Mitigate the Risk of a Difficult Employee

10 Points
This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. What does an effective onboarding program look like and what is the purpose? b. discuss expectations and responsibilities c. train with employees that understand company culture and expectations Additional lesson topics: Onboarding New Employees: Maximizing Success; Several Tips to Help Successfully Onboard New Employees
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Look for Red Flags

10 Points
This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. Other Employees Complaints b. Feedback from Customers or Vendors c. 90-Day Hire Additional lesson topics: The Best Way to Complain About Coworkers; Several Onboarding Activities and Ideas for New Hires
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Go Straight to the Problem and Listen

10 Points
This lesson will focus on these topics: a. Sometimes you have inherited the problem, what is the real problem? b. Allow for feedback from the employee to the get to the root cause of the problem. Additional lesson topics: Stop Trying to Fix Things, Just Listen!; Several Reasons Some Employees Are Difficult That Will Make You A Better Manager; How Your Listening Skills Can Make Your Employees Better Problem Solvers
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Don't Ignore the Problem

10 Points
This lesson will focus on these topics: a. being easier to just let it slide than take action b. setting consequences c. how this affects more than just the difficult employee d. how can it be addressed but still be respectful Additional lesson topics: Managing the Unmanageable: The Several Most Common Types of Difficult Employees; How to Manage an Employee Who Doesn't Respect You
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Re-Engage the Employee

10 Points
This lesson will focus on these topics: a. methods for engagement b. responsibilities outside of job c. part of a team Additional lesson topics: 16 ways to re-engage disengaged employees; Several Ways to Recognize a Disengaged Employee and How to Re-Engage Them
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Motivate the Employee

10 Points
This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. Praise when praise is due. b. Determine what motivates the employee to want to do well for the organization. Additional lesson topics: 14 Highly Effective Ways to Motivate Employees; The Science of Improving Motivation at Work
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Shift Managerial Perspective

10 Points
This lesson will focus on these topics: a. Are the assignments too easy or hard for the employee? b. Has an environment of fostering creativity and making mistakes been created? c. Does the employee feel that they are not growing and developing? Additional lesson topics: Workers Who Feel Challenged Are More Engaged; When Do Employees Rise to the Challenge?
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Performance Improvement Plan

10 Points
This lesson will focus on the following topics: a. creating measurable goals b. document, document, document c. following up often and consistently Additional lesson topics: Every Question You Have About Being on a Performance Improvement Plan; Several Performance goal setting examples for employee development
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: React as Adults, Not Like it's a Parent-Child Relationship

10 Points
This lesson will focus on these topics: a. respecting one another b. empathy for the difficult employee c. not talking about the employee behind their back Additional lesson topics: How to Demonstrate Respect in the Workplace; How to Be an Empathetic Manager During Difficult Times
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: When to Involve HR

10 Points
This lesson will focus on these topics: a. Bullying b. Abusive Behavior c. Stealing Time from Company d. Failing to Meet Deadlines Additional lesson topics: When Is It Time to Involve HR?; Get involved or steer clear? What’s HR to do when complaints roll in?
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: When to Say Goodbye

10 Points
This lesson will focus on these topics: a. how to know when to let the employee go b. when can an employee be transferred c. unhappy with coworkers d. unhappy with work assignment Additional lesson topics: 15 Signs It May Be Time to Let An Employee Go; How to Let an Employee Go: Tips From Leading Entrepreneurs
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Best Practices Summary for Managing Difficult People

89 Points
This lesson will focus on these topics: a. How to Identify Prior to Hire b. How to Onboard to Set Expectations c. Be on the Lookout for Red Flags d. Go Straight to the Problem e. Methods to Try to Get Back on Track f. When to Move On Additional lesson topics: Managing Difficult Employees, and Those Who Just Seem Difficult; How to Deal With Difficult Employees: Best Practices
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
228
Total Course Points
 

Additional Course Information

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Course Title: Managing Difficult Employees
Course Number: 57700107
Lessons Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (30 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is accessible online throughout all states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It's also available in top English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: May 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.0 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Linda Zavadil
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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