I am starting a new, large, strategic project at a company where I have worked for four months. I am project manager, and there is one key IT person on the project who will act as systems analyst and technical lead. He has only worked in IT for two years, though for the business in a service level position before that. I have been working in IT 12 years - 6 of them in project management.
Enough background, here is the problem. I find this individual extremely hard to work with. He is incredibly argumentative. Everything you say is quickly responded to in the negative. He acts like a know-it-all on every subject. I find that generally he is accepted in this company - I have talked to my supervisor about the difficulties I have with him and asked why people put up with him. He is incredibly crass and abrasive, using inappropriate language and belittling people behind their backs.
To date I have tried to be up-beat and straight-forward with him. I recognize that most of his behavior is a result of his insecurities, but that does not help me to work with him any better.
Any particular words of encouragement to get me off on the right foot with this guy? Saving Changes...
Try this approach: "Hey, _____, I've been looking at ______ and think you may have a better idea on how we can do it within our time and resource constraints. If you had the opportunity to resolve the problem, what would you do?
As for his verbal and offensive nature, put him on the carpet. Remind him that such actions are grounds for harrassment suits by his co-workers and will not be condoned by you in any manner. Further, any continued defamatory outbursts will be considered as unprofessional in nature and appropriately handled.
In the past, such things have worked well. In meetings or while walking down the hallway, if you encounter such behavior stop him and ask him to leave until such time as he can contribute in a professional manner. If necessary, take it up with the HR manager. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Thanks for your response to my post. I do think the kindness approach where I involve him more and make him feel needed may go far given his personality. I am not so sure about the second two suggestions though: Those are pretty authoritative statements to make when I have no authority over this guy. Responsibility without authority is my constant struggle. I know that he feels I have no right to dictate to him beyojnd telling what tasks are to be done on the project.
I have resolved, though, that if the antagonistic behavior continues, I need to pull him into my office, sit him down and tell him that I can't work with him when he behaves that way, and that his behavior jeopardizes the project's succes. I'll keep you posted! Saving Changes...
