Published in Training Industry – June 24th, 2020

What do you do about that one employee — the one who is smart and capable but whose behavior is a problem and doesn’t meet your expectations? Do you call them out? Warn them? Micromanage them?

Maybe, the most effective response is to see their gifts.

Your gifts are what you were born to bring into the world. While talents and abilities can be developed, gifts are inherent; they are a part of who you are. Ironically, bad behavior can often be a sign of a gift that’s trying to come out — a person’s underlying desire to be seen and recognized. Often, people behave well and comply with rules to please others or meet their expectations. While good behavior satisfies others, it’s not always a reflection of a person’s true self. Bad (or non-compliant) behavior, however, is unfiltered. It’s often a more accurate expression of gifts, because the person is not trying to comply.