How to motivate problem employees

The first step in dealing with a problem employee for a supervisor is to ask the question “Is there really a problem employee or does the problem lie with me?” Examples of this can include a supervisor who is intimidated by an employee because that person is more capable. Also a person may seem untouchable since they may be from a minority or have long seniority with the company. Additional reasons can include a supervisor who feels sorry for the employee or has a friendship with that person resulting in that employee being treated differently and encouraging problem behaviour. Other employees′behaviour will also be impacted on since they see this different treatment and may grow to resent it – thus affecting their work performance.