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annasuave · 06-13-2008, 10:57 AM

I need some suggestions coaching/dealing with a demanding person on my staff. Her personality style is abrupt, bossy, and she's a "barger". By no means is she a bad person! Just young, inexperienced, and abrasive is all.

She was in my office this morning complaining. I'll tolerate that to a degree, because if there's something that needs fixing, or needs my attention - I do need to know about it.

Her complaining has a personal tone "you need to do this", and "I've been waiting a long time for an answer on this" sort of thing. She does have a point, too. She has been waiting a long time. And there are promises I've made to her I need to follow through on. She didn't use any innapropriate language, or cross any obvious lines in terms of business behaviour. But she bugs living crap outta me.

A large part of me wanted to tell her to shut up, quit complaining, and remind her who she was talking to. But really, I don't want to crush this young lady's spirit, or play the big heavy.

I can't ignore her complaints - they are genuine and they do deserve attention.

How can I respond to this person in a way that lets her know I care about her concerns, without re-inforcing the idea that aggressive complaining is the way to get results?

It's the personal, demanding tone I object to - not the actual complaint. How on earth do I get that point across without being Queen Bitch and demanding that all peons kneel in my presence?

06-13-2008, 10:57 AM	#1
annasuave Scoring Winger Join Date: Jul 2007 Exp:	Managment advice? I need some suggestions coaching/dealing with a demanding person on my staff. Her personality style is abrupt, bossy, and she's a "barger". By no means is she a bad person! Just young, inexperienced, and abrasive is all. She was in my office this morning complaining. I'll tolerate that to a degree, because if there's something that needs fixing, or needs my attention - I do need to know about it. Her complaining has a personal tone "you need to do this", and "I've been waiting a long time for an answer on this" sort of thing. She does have a point, too. She has been waiting a long time. And there are promises I've made to her I need to follow through on. She didn't use any innapropriate language, or cross any obvious lines in terms of business behaviour. But she bugs living crap outta me. A large part of me wanted to tell her to shut up, quit complaining, and remind her who she was talking to. But really, I don't want to crush this young lady's spirit, or play the big heavy. I can't ignore her complaints - they are genuine and they do deserve attention. How can I respond to this person in a way that lets her know I care about her concerns, without re-inforcing the idea that aggressive complaining is the way to get results? It's the personal, demanding tone I object to - not the actual complaint. How on earth do I get that point across without being Queen Bitch and demanding that all peons kneel in my presence?