7 Steps to Handling a Bad Attitude at Work

Having someone in your business with a bad attitude is like a flat tyre, you can’t get far without fixing it.  Bad attitudes are problematic and contagious, so, if someone on your team has one you are best to take immediate action. 

Derek contacted us one day because he had a new tradie Jim, who was skilled in his job, but customers kept complaining about his attitude.  They often found him curt and hostile and some even insisted that he not be sent to anymore of their jobs. 

Derek couldn’t understand what was going on because Jim communicated just fine with him and he didn’t want to lose Jim because good tradies are hard to come by. 

Just as in Jim’s case a bad attitude can be described as aggressive, rude, callous, dishonest, hostile, pessimistic and having suspicious behaviours.  So, can we mend a bad attitude and if so, how? 

 Bad attitudes are subjective and often learned and we all have varying levels of tolerance before identifying someone as having one.  Sometimes, we also misdiagnose a bad attitude when in fact it is a cultural, spiritual, or intergenerational disconnect. 

Regardless of the cause and whether it is a fleeting or ingrained this behaviour needs to be addressed and reformed in the workplace and it is not a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. 

Here are 7 pro tips for turning a bad attitude good. 

1. When interviewing and reference checking a potential new hire be sure to have a line of questioning that uncovers how they relate to their co-workers, work for their leaders, and communicate with their customers. 

2.  Before making a hiring decision learn about any triggers and intolerances the potential new hire may have including delicately uncovering potential prejudices.

3. Create a work culture of optimism and realism and discourage pessimism.  

4. Ensure everyone is aware of your business values and policies around all aspects of the provision of a safe workplace. 

5. If someone is exhibiting a bad attitude seek to understand the person and the situation first. 

6. If a person’s attitude goes from good to bad it is important to understand the cause of the change which may be a simple case of asking “Are you ok?”  Your approach should be one of kindness and compassion with a genuine willingness to understand and help being careful not to misread or misunderstand the situation. 

7. Remember that attitude is subjective so as a business leader tread carefully before acting on what someone else may deem to be a bad attitude. 

 It is critical to manage a bad attitude with emotional intelligence, having a positive outcome in mind and demonstrating support.  It is highly unlikely that there is no cause behind a bad attitude and the right approach may give someone hope and create a teachable learning opportunity for all stakeholders.