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Introduction:
Dealing with problematic members is a very daunting task for any leader, especially those new to their position. How should you react to problematic members?
The first step is to identify the problem. What exactly is the trouble? Identify the difficulty and everything related to it. Write the dilemma down on paper and ask yourself: Why is this a problem? Is the problem subjective to my opinion or beliefs? You must be sure to be objective and honest with yourself.
Common Problem Areas and Brigade Maintanance:
1.)Ranks:
Rank problems are usually the sign of something deeper, either the dissatisfaction with the rank system itself or a member may not feel properly appreciated. Contrary to popular belief, ranks are not the only thing CyberArmy has to offer. You get what you take out of it. You should stress to members that they should work for respect and not for rank. Reiterate that such work will not only get them farther in CA but real life as well.
If rank is the cause of the problem you should consider whether or not they deserve a promotion. Although ranks should not be anyone's focus they provide an easy way to say 'Thank You'!
2.)Productivity:
Productivity should be the focus of every CyberArmy task, but you must so be sensitive to your member's real life. CyberArmy is a volunteer organization and people are diverse in their abilities and schedules. It is your duty as a manager to keep this in mind and use that information to fine tune your group for optimum productivity. Give each member a choice of what to work on and make sure it is something they can handle. All too often, new folks are given tasks that don't fully understand. With new members it is imperative that they understand where the project they are working on fits into the big scheme of fulfilling CyberArmy’s Mission Statement. New folks have to be welcomed into the community in such a way that they feel the need to be here in order for them to quickly develop a sense of ownership.
Upon that initial contact the cMs system must be explained. While explaining the cMs system and methods of communication in CyberArmy you should verify their contact information and alternate means of communication. Explain how CA works from their tasks up to the executive staff. As their leader you should take the time to work with them on the completion of their tasks. You should never just tell them what their task is and leave it at that. Establish time tables for drafts and end states for their tasks.
When it comes to what we think are simple tasks it is hard to hold peoples hands. The majority of people quickly become bored without a true sense of purpose and on occasion a little hand holding is necessary to assist them in developing their sense of purpose.
During periods where you perceive a lack of productivity you should not get discouraged. Instead, hold your member’s accountable by setting realistic due dates for drafts and completed projects. Most importantly, if you sense a decrease in the amount of work your brigade is producing you should ensure that you are doing work yourself!
3.)Personality Clashes:
When you have any number of people working together, you will have personality clashes and disagreements between members. Part of fine tuning your group is discovering each member's personality and using it to best motivate and encourage them to work. Some people are social workers, some are not. You should avoid being negative towards someone just because their personality of work style does not mesh with your or the rest of the groups. Disagreements are fine. Take each into account and respond politely and make what you feel is the best decision based on all of your information.
Remember also that while CyberArmy is not a democracy, many groups are more efficient as such and even if your group isn't, more opinions are always better for an educated response. That aside, the chain of command is what organizes everything within CyberArmy. We are not the military, but we have an established procedure for getting work done. If someone is openly and blatantly causing problems, think it through objectively, talk to people you know and respect, and the person who is the source of the problems. If you approach the problematic member and the problems persist after attempting to work through each of the above guidelines you should release the member. You should release the member is a courteous way showing them respect and nicely explaining why you are taking this step. If appropriate, assist the member if finding another place to fit in and participate. You should never make them feel unwanted or attacked. The goal of CyberArmy is not just to have friends nor is it to provide you with an opportunity to feel all powerful in a leadership position, but rather to accomplish our Mission Statement. Everything you do while in a leadership role should be conducive to that goal.
By: Ker. knoledgesponge
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