5 tips for interview with a negative team member

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Is there a negative person in your team who complains about everything that is going on? Then you may tend to ignore him. This is, however, the worst thing a manager can do to his team. on the contrary, you should act actively. Openforum.com recommends to invite the negativist into your office, not to address his behavior in the hallway or elsewhere in public. Agree on a face-to-face appointment for a maximum of 15 minutes. Then, follow the steps below.

Show your understanding

Habitual complainers want space to express themselves, so give it to them. You don't have to agree, just let them talk. After they finish, thank them for their opinion.

Don't try to convince them of a different view

It is not worth explaining that everything is not so bad as it seems. One meeting is not enough to change a person's way of thinking.

Demand solutions

Ask the negativist for specific proposals to solve his complaints. If he complains about a colleague of his, don't take responsibility for it. Send him to the colleague to resolve the matter with him.

Offer your opinion

Ask if the negativist wants to know your opinion. It may surprise you that he doesn't look for any solution and that his complaint is not that serious, he just wants you to listen to him for a while.

Focus on a different topic

Move from the original complaint to something else what's happening in your team. It will help the negativist to move on and get back to work.

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Article source OPEN Forum - U.S. website and community of small entrepreneurs
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