Dealing with Crazy Nightmare Employees

Every small business owner has had to contend with “nightmare” employees.  For example:

• The young man who had his mother write a note for him “excusing her” from working a business event.
• The young woman who showed up for her interview with her mother in tow.
• The father who berated the business owner for giving his daughter a poor evaluation, because it “damaged her self-esteem”.
• The woman who showed up for work at a health care office smelling like smoke, and who said she was “into” health (whatever that means).
• Or how about the charming young man who shows up with a multi-color mohawk?!
  

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While many of them are young, older employees are just as likely to be problems.  There was the middle-aged secretary whose filing system consisted of boxes.  Everything was dumped in no order into the boxes and carted around as her office was moved.  And then there was the salesman who told all his customers they could get a better deal from the company’s competitor.  I’m not making these up, honest.

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How Do You Handle Nightmare Employees?

1. Establish clear guidelines for behavior. While some people will never conform and many just don’t “get it,” most will follow guidelines that are set down for them. In fact, most people appreciate knowing what is expected of them. Mr. Mohawk and the Crazy Lady both should be shown the dress code, for a start.
2. Expect compliance from everyone. No exceptions. This seems tough, but adults are, unfortunately, like little kids.  Some will push the limit every time. If you make exceptions, others will notice and begin to slack off too.
3. Don’t give the expectation of permanent employment. Don’t say anything to an employee that gives an expectation that they have a job for life.  Saying things like, “You can stay with us as long as you keep doing such a great job,” leaves you wide open for trouble if this great employees starts harassing customers. Don’t give out contracts unless your attorney has reviewed them for such “gotcha” phrases.
4. Focus on the business, not you. Everyone has problems, but they must get the job done. Let employees know you sympathize, but that you have a business to run.
5. Don’t be afraid to let someone go. If you have good employee policies and your have given him fair warning, it’s time to say good-bye.  Ig Mr. Mohawk refuses to change, show him the door.

Dealing with crazy employees can give you gray hairs, but having good employee policies and administering them fairly and consistently can help keep employee craziness to a minimum.