A subordinate with too big an ego? Some tips on managing such a person effectively

Managing someone who is always right (according to them), who has a problem with authority and an oversized ego, is never easy. But it is not always possible simply to let this person go. They may, for instance, be an excellent business person without whom the team simply cannot do. This article explains how to manage such a person so that you can maintain good relations within the team and tame the ego of that given individual.

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Have quite specific requirements

According to a LinkedIn article, when it comes to people with a giant ego, you need to go into much more detail when explaining your expectations and defining their responsibilities. Have clear and measurable demands on the worker, and describe their duties in specific detail that does not allow for any misinterpretation.

Focus on personal development 

You cannot rely on an employee with an inflated ego or reduced self-reflection to understand the need to develop further and take extra training or educate themselves. In this case, the employer has to be the main party that initiates the personal development programme and sets up for the employee an appropriate system of training and education.

Go easy on praise

This is a piece of advice you never come across in management and leadership manuals, but in this case it really is appropriate. You should not overdo the praise when it concerns people who are unable to admit to their mistakes. Their ego, which is already too big to start with, will only be further fuelled and their ability to acknowledge any weaknesses correspondingly reduced.

Set clear limits

Everything has its limits. This applies also to egoism and narcissism of individual workers, especially in connection to their relations with colleagues or subordinates. Establish certain limits and act immediately if the given worker oversteps them. People who are unable to see their own weaknesses often tend to blame others for their mistakes or take steps that are too risky and could cause damage to the whole team or even company.

 

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Article source LinkedIn - the largest business-oriented social network worldwide
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