In Re: Problem People in Organizations
I have seen this occur many times, especially in large, beaucratic
organizations. Often what appears as a demented person at this moment is
the result of a long, painful process during which the person has been
abused in some manner either personnaly or by management actions. Without
knowing more it would be most difficult to opine further as to the best
method of handling this situation. You did not mention if you were a
supervisor of this person in some way...which makes a significant
difference.
IMHO, to ignore him ensures his belief system and confirms his suspicions
about management trustworthiness. And while his skills may diminish as a
result of being ostracized, it may provide him legal relief if ever
challenged in court.
What seems to be needed here as in other places, is a win-win situation,
not win-lose. Those in responsible positions may choose to plan a
strategy which allows the person a full measure of control over a piece
of the project or activity, one which allows him to do, rather than
squawk. If that is not possible then there is always the last resort, but
this should not be lightly considered, and not by those who are NOT in
positions of authority.
This is a personality trait, developed over time and reinforced over
time. It will not be one which is instantly changed, but it is surely
possible.
Regards,
John Constantine
--John Constantine <rainbird@trail.com>
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>