How to Manage a Needy Employee

Most managers wish they could give their team members more attention than they’re able to. But when someone on your team seems to require more of your time than the rest, how should you handle it? Diagnose. Reflect on the source of your employee’s neediness. Talk to him about your observations of his behavior. Ask: “How can I better support you?” Connect. Carve out time in your schedule to connect more regularly with your report. Those five extra minutes a day can really matter. Offer training. If your employee is struggling with a task, marshal resources to make sure she gets what she needs. Experiment with peer coaching, too. Praise. Incorporate positive feedback into your one-on-one meetings. Sometimes you need to reassure an employee who’s doing a good job that he is, in fact, doing a good job. Model healthy boundaries. You’re not helping your team members grow if you’re constantly available.