How Network Leaders Turn Difficult Members into Reliable Contributors
By NETWORK. LEAD. EXCHANGE.
Every network has their share of members who make things difficult for the group. Network Lead Exchange explains how the best network leaders turn these difficult members into reliable contributors.
Every network leader has experiences with group members who are demanding. Often, these leaders wonder if the juice is worth the squeeze. Many just put up with what they perceive as difficult behavior because of a perceived benefit, or they boot the member from the group. What many leaders fail to realize is there’s a third way: turning the difficult member into a reliable contributor.
Start with Empathy
Every type of interaction must come from a place of empathy. When people are difficult to deal with, it’s usually because they feel a lack of control in some facet of their life. This lack of control results in a need to hyper-control areas believed within their bailiwick. Lots of times, listening to people makes them less difficult, they feel a connection and are willing to work with a network leader because they feel heard and appreciated. Always be empathetic; practicing empathy neutralizes many difficult characteristics.
Bring them Into the Fold
Another way to turn difficult people into reliable contributors is bringing them into the fold. When people are tasked with being part of the solution, they become less of a problem. This is due to feeling invested. It’s hard to rail against the machine when working inside the machine. Also, it’s great to have the difficult person in the network as an ally. It helps to have them as an ally when having to ask them to tone down the behavior. They don’t see the leader as an adversary, and are more likely not just to comply, but put extra effort in as well.
Apply the Network Rules to Everyone
Difficult people always look to exploit hypocrisy to their advantage. When rules are applied with equal measure to everyone, the difficult person follows the rules and grows to respect the network leader. Often, difficult people have high opinions of their moral character, and when they see someone walking the walk, they respect that person – no matter how hypocritical the difficult person may be. Furthermore, when they understand rules are enforced, they work hard to comply.
Converting difficult members into reliable contributors is not that difficult if your mind is open and you don’t mind working. Create a networking group for all types of members @ NETWORKLEADEXCHANGE.COM.
