Managing Top Performers Is Always Easy...Right?

How should you communicate with a talented but difficult employee?

• Meet on the employee's own turf. This will make them less likely to feel threatened.
• Address issues firmly and directly. Getting right to the point is the optimal way to communicate with a difficult employee.
• Consider using self-deprecating humor. Since a difficult employee often has issues with authority figures, this can be a great way to establish rapport.

How can you encourage a talented but difficult employee to buy into the team concept?

• Explain how the employee fits into the company. Shedding light on how they can grow with the company can help minimize their high-maintenance behavior.
• Make the employee a peer mentor. Placing them in a leadership role can help build their trust in the team dynamic.

Overview/Description

Top performers aren't always the easiest employees to manage. This impact explores how to deal effectively with top-performing, high maintenance employees.

Target Audience

HR Professionals with dedicated roles within the HR and learning and development functions, including administrative, executive and management roles, along with those in training for such positions.