Online Class: Managing Difficult Employees

Name: Managing Difficult Employees
Price: 95.00 USD

Learn to tackle the complexities of difficult employees with actionable insights and strategies, aimed at elevating team morale and organizational success. This ultimate guide covers recruitment, communication, motivation, and HR interventions to expertly navigate challenging workplace scenarios.

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$120.00
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)

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15

Lessons
23

Exams &
Assignments
61

Students
have taken this course
6

Hours
average time
0.6

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:

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.
Pre-Hiring Identification: Learn strategies to spot potential red flags during the hiring process, minimizing the risk of onboarding problematic employees.
Onboarding Protocols: Develop effective onboarding processes that cultivate a positive work environment, reducing the chances of negative behaviors from the outset.
Effective Communication: Delve into the importance of open dialogue, fostering an environment where problems are addressed head-on and solutions are collaboratively sought.
Motivation and Re-engagement: Explore techniques to reignite an employee's passion and drive, transforming negative behaviors into positive outcomes.
Managerial Perspective: Learn the importance of adaptability and the role of a manager in ensuring team harmony.
Performance Improvement Plans: Understand how to craft and implement effective performance improvement plans that benefit both the employee and the organization.
Healthy Workplace Relationships: Grasp the importance of mature, adult-adult interactions in the workplace, and how to avoid falling into negative parent-child dynamics.
Human Resources Intervention: Recognize when to escalate issues to HR and the processes involved.
Navigating Endings: Understand the complexities involved in parting ways, ensuring the best outcome for all parties involved.
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!

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Management Essentials

Dealing with Difficult People

Decision Making Skills

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:

"Extraordinarily Helpful"

(30 votes)

Lesson 1. Challenging Personalities at Work

Difficult employees can strain a manager's ability to maintain a harmonious workplace due to their varied disruptive behaviors, such as playing the victim or indulging in gossip. Understanding the root causes of such behaviors is key to managing these individuals effectively and potentially transforming them into valuable team members. 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 11 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-Activity-18079.pdf
Complete Assignment: Course Introduction and Goals
Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Workplace Dynamics: Managing Difficult Employees

Difficult employees disrupt workplace harmony, damaging company culture, colleague trust, and business objectives. Addressing these issues early on can prevent a ripple effect where good employees leave due to the toxic influence of a few. Additional lesson topics: A practical guide to managing difficult employees; Company Culture Doesn’t Just Impact Well-Being — It Also Impacts Productivity 10 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-Activity-18081.pdf
Complete: Lesson 2 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Detecting Red Flags During Hiring

Advanced interview techniques and shadow days can reveal candidates' problematic traits early, allowing companies to set proactive management plans. This approach not only minimizes workplace disruption but also provides a clearer framework for cultivating employee strengths. Additional lesson topics: How to spot toxic employees before you hire them; Several Ways to Know If You Are Hiring A Toxic Employee 9 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-StudyGuide-18083.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. Welcoming the Unruly: Onboarding with Strategy and Care

Onboarding is not merely about signing documents but about making employees feel valued and welcome, crucial for their engagement and productivity. Personalized attention during orientation, appropriate training, and constructive follow-up can prevent challenging behaviors and enhance employee satisfaction. Additional lesson topics: Onboarding New Employees: Maximizing Success; Several Tips to Help Successfully Onboard New Employees 11 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-WorkSheet-18084.pdf
Complete: Lesson 4 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Spotting Red Flags in the Workplace

Managers should be vigilant in noticing signs of unmanageable employees, who might mask their challenging traits during interviews. The lesson underscores using coworker complaints as a tool to identify and rectify problematic behavior promptly. Additional lesson topics: The Best Way to Complain About Coworkers; Several Onboarding Activities and Ideas for New Hires 11 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-StudyGuide-18086.pdf
Complete: Lesson 5 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. Problem-Solving by Listening: Tackling Employee Challenges

Frequent organizational changes without clear communication can lead to gossip and reduce trust among employees, thus fostering unmanageable behaviors. Managers must prioritize transparency and employee involvement to maintain stability and confidence in the workplace. 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 10 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-WorkSheet-18088.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. Addressing Problematic Employee Traits Promptly and Effectively

Lesson 7 emphasizes the importance of promptly addressing difficult employee behaviors by identifying them early and implementing corrective solutions before they become habitual. This proactive approach helps maintain workplace harmony and protects organizations from negative impacts on reputation, relationships, and employee morale. Additional lesson topics: Managing the Unmanageable: The Several Most Common Types of Difficult Employees; How to Manage an Employee Who Doesn't Respect You 11 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-StudyGuide-18089.pdf
Complete: Lesson 7 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Reviving Workplace Spirit: Strategies to Re-Engage Employees

The lesson emphasizes re-engaging difficult employees by addressing their behaviors, understanding their needs, and fostering an empathetic and communicative workplace culture, which can transform them into valuable assets to the organization. Re-establishing connections through dialogue, empathy, team building, vulnerability, and new responsibilities are key strategies highlighted for reducing problematic behaviors and enhancing employee commitment. Additional lesson topics: 16 ways to re-engage disengaged employees; Several Ways to Recognize a Disengaged Employee and How to Re-Engage Them 10 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-WorkSheet-18091.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. Unlock Their Potential: Personalized Employee Motivation Tactics

Understanding that every employee is unique, managers must adapt motivation strategies to suit individual preferences, whether driven by personal ambition or the need for external rewards. Consistent and meaningful praise, paired with clear growth opportunities, can transform challenging behaviors into constructive workplace contributions. Additional lesson topics: 14 Highly Effective Ways to Motivate Employees; The Science of Improving Motivation at Work 11 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-Activity-18093.pdf
Complete: Lesson 9 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. Root Causes and Solutions: A Manager's Guide

Managers can avert workplace discord by addressing the root causes of unsatisfactory employee behavior, viewing these issues through a broader lens to implement resolution strategies. Ensuring tasks are both challenging and manageable, embracing mistakes as learning steps, and fostering growth opportunities can transform potential problems into avenues for development. Additional lesson topics: Workers Who Feel Challenged Are More Engaged; When Do Employees Rise to the Challenge? 10 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-Activity-18095.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. Turning Challenges Into Opportunities: The Power of Performance Plans

When motivation and perspective shifts aren't enough, performance improvement plans serve as a targeted tool to help employees refine their conduct. Key components include setting clear, quantifiable objectives and maintaining comprehensive records of progress through ongoing feedback. Additional lesson topics: Every Question You Have About Being on a Performance Improvement Plan; Several Performance goal setting examples for employee development 10 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-StudyGuide-18096.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. Addressing Behaviors, Not Personalities: A Guide

Approaching employee misconduct with empathy and respect strengthens trust and steers the conversation toward resolution. By addressing issues directly and respectfully, managers create supportive environments that foster change. Additional lesson topics: How to Demonstrate Respect in the Workplace; How to Be an Empathetic Manager During Difficult Times 11 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-HomeWork-18098.pdf
Complete: Lesson 12 Activity
Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13. Recognizing When It's Time for HR Intervention

Understanding when to involve HR is crucial as difficult employee behaviors like bullying or spreading harmful gossip can create a toxic work environment. Even persistent negative habits resistant to management strategies need HR's guidance to maintain organizational harmony and prevent potential legal repercussions. Additional lesson topics: When Is It Time to Involve HR?; Get involved or steer clear? What’s HR to do when complaints roll in? 10 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-Downloadable-18100.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14. Deciding When to Part Ways: Strategically Evaluating Difficult Employee Situations

Lesson 14 underscores the complex challenge for managers in deciding whether to penalize, transfer, or terminate employees based on their behavioral issues. It stresses a tailored approach that considers both organizational integrity and individual employee potential. Additional lesson topics: 15 Signs It May Be Time to Let An Employee Go; How to Let an Employee Go: Tips From Leading Entrepreneurs 10 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-WorkSheet-18101.pdf
Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15. Transforming Workplace Challenges into Opportunities

Onboarding programs and orientations set the foundation for new employees by promoting organizational values and reducing challenging behaviors. Effective training and continuous feedback mechanisms, such as 90-day reviews, help employees align with company culture and expectations. Additional lesson topics: Managing Difficult Employees, and Those Who Just Seem Difficult; How to Deal With Difficult Employees: Best Practices 89 Total Points

Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-15-WorkSheet-18103.pdf
Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments
Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam
Assessment: The Final Exam

234

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Define the characteristics of each type of difficult employee in the workplace.
Identify the root causes that lead to employees being labeled as difficult to manage.
Describe at least three specific ways in which managing difficult employees can improve workplace environment and overall organizational success.
Define and identify the impact of each type of difficult employee on company culture, colleague relationships, and business objectives.
Define specific behavioral indicators during the interview that suggest potential difficulties in employee management.
Demonstrate the ability to use behavioral-based interview questions to identify traits linked to challenging workplace behavior.
Define the key components of an effective onboarding process, including orientation, on-the-job training, and new hire follow-up, to ensure new hires integrate successfully into the organization.
Demonstrate strategies to engage and manage employees with potentially difficult tendencies during the onboarding phase, fostering a positive workplace culture and minimizing potential conflicts.
Define behaviors and characteristics that indicate red flags for potentially difficult to manage employees.
Demonstrate the ability to identify red flags through feedback from coworkers and external sources like customers or vendors.
Identify and implement effective conflict resolution skills to enhance employee engagement and productivity in the workplace.
Recognize the root causes of challenging employee behavior and demonstrate empathy by developing constructive management strategies.
Recognize and demonstrate strategies to address difficult employee behaviors swiftly to prevent them from becoming habitual and affecting the workplace.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

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

Category:

UniversalClass.com > Business > Management

Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.

Last Updated: May 2024

CEU Value: 0.6 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.

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Instructor: Linda Zavadil

Syllabus: View Syllabus

Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars