Management Tip of the Day: Motivate Your Problem Employee

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 7, 2012 Motivate Your Problem Employee There's one on every team- Someone who just doesn't live up to his potential. Here is a process to inspire this problem employee to change: Better understand the problem.. Start by looking at the issue from the employee's point of view. Is he unmotivated by the work? Does he not like his co-workers? Could you be part of the problem? Define alternatives. Generate several possible solutions. Don't assume there is a right answer. Meet to discuss the problem.. Sit down with the employee, describing the problem and pointing out that it cannot continue. Ask questions to find out whether your assumptions are correct. Present several of the possible solutions and work with him to come up with a resolution that works for both of you. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the Harvard ManageMentor Online Module: Leading and Motivating. Buy the course and learn what it means to be an inspiring leader » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Us Plus Them: Tapping the Positive Power of Difference HBR Press Book Us-versus-them is the costly mind-set in which organizations too often find themselves trapped. In fact, recognizing difference as a positive force can bring astonishing value to even the most diverse organizations. Through a wide range of examples from small-town classrooms to corporate boardrooms, leadership scholar Todd Pittinsky opens our eyes to misunderstood yet useful aspects of us-and-them relations, including many of the neglected positive dimensions of difference. Pittinsky shows us that our great diversity experiment hasn't failed—it hasn't even begun. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Introverts Can Still Innovate Give Your Organization a Marketing Makeover Create an Office Space that Encourages Teamwork Get the Most From Your Star Salespeople Get Your Boss to Say Yes Get Unstuck When Innovating Choose the Right Leadership Approach Set Ground Rules for Your Global Team Make Your Presentation's Visual Aides Easy to Follow Don't Dismiss Critics of Change All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing HBR's Morning Advantage The Harvard Business Review Morning Advantage delivers the latest business ideas from beyond HBR.org directly to your inbox every morning — and it is free! Sign up today >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)