This is the last in a series of how to deal with challenging team members... the griper... tips and tricks to manage this force of nature.

Another type of difficult learner is the griper.

Like the “no” person, this type can be tough to have on a team because their negative attitude can impact team motivation and morale.

Gripers think nothing is ever right and are prone to complaining. Rather than finding solutions, they fixate on everything that is wrong.

This kind of attitude is difficult for other team members to be around. Fortunately, they are some approaches you can take to help.

As a manager or team leader, try these things to improve team engagement with a griper:

• Share stories that highlight team wins rather than failings

• Reflect on ways the griper positively contributed

• Challenge the griper to problem solve

It’s also a good idea to encourage the griper to find solutions. If needed, work out a plan with them so that a problem seems easier to solve and less daunting.

Show them how their skills can successfully be applied to the steps of the plan and lead to a positive outcome.

Gripers may need to feel encouraged and empowered, so highlighting their past wins and breaking solutions up into small attainable goals should help them see a way forward.

Team leaders: how have you handled working with this difficult learner type?

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