Reclaiming the Driver's Seat: Managing Difficult Employee Archetypes

You're in your office, phone to your ear, ducking verbal fireballs from an angry client. You turn to your team for backup, only to find the 'weapon' they handed you is loaded with blanks. Frustrating?

Absolutely. But this 'soldier' who failed you is just one bug in the system.

As a leader, your job is to identify these archetypes and neutralize the threat they pose to your organization's balance. Here are a few common types and how to handle them:

The Sub-Par Soldier

They interview well but flatline after probation. They give 40% effort but act like it's 100%, making them hard to fire without cause. Don't waste time correcting their mistakes. Assign them repetitive, low-stakes tasks. Eventually, the boredom usually encourages them to leave on their own.

The Butterfly

Talented but unfocused. They want to do everything at once, calling it 'experimenting.' While you want to keep their talent, you can't force them to settle. Promote their potential, but have a replacement ready. A mind that wants to wander usually will.

The God Complex

Often found in admin or middle management, they believe the company revolves around them. They are annoying but easy to handle. Simply delegate their 'critical' tasks to someone else once, and watch their ego—and their leverage—crumble.

The 'Ghost' and the 'Kleptomaniac'

The Ghost disappears day one after payday. Blacklist them and move on. The Kleptomaniac steals supplies or belongings. No warnings here—fire them the moment you have proof.

The Conveniently Narcissistic

They always have a reason for failure that isn't their fault. Their problems demand sympathy, but they offer none in return. They are there for the paycheck and nothing else. Don't let them take root.

Every hire has flaws. The successful entrepreneur learns to overlook the harmless 20% but takes decisive action when the limit is reached. Remember, the buck stops with you.