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This item is filed under these categories:
Insecurity Recognition Feedback Motivation

I do not know how to deal with an employee who comes to my office several times a day to tell me how well he did on one project or another. He constantly needs to be stroked, and he won't stop talking about what he has accomplished until I tell him what a good job he did.



There are a number of steps to take when dealing with an employee who parks in your office until you have validated him. The most likely explanation is that this individual may be a little thin in the security department. However, perhaps his behavior is signaling a need for you to get out on the floors more often. A well-timed pat on the back may make him less likely to come to your office for more.

The good news is that your understanding of this employee can help you create an environment where he is likely to be more motivated and productive. The key is to let him see that successful performance will allow him to meet his strong need for recognition.

However, if his frequent visits are consuming too much of your time, then you need to tell him. Let him know that you are pleased with his achievements, but he does not need to continuously advise you of them. He also needs to understand that his trips to your office are actually undercutting the impact of these achievements and are interfering with his work as well as with yours.

It should not be difficult for him to get the message that you are sending. And, if he cuts back on the frequency of these close encounters, be sure to give him some recognition and praise.



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