How to motivate your problem people.

Nicholson, N. (2003, January 1). How to motivate your problem people. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2003/01/how-to-motivate-your-problem-people

Nigel Nicholson challenges traditional management theories regarding motivation, arguing that "problem people" are often the result of a mismatch between the individual's inner drivers and their workplace environment. Instead of relying on conventional rewards or punishments, Nicholson proposes a "de-centering" method that requires managers to understand the employee's perspective and personal narrative. The article outlines a structured, three-step clinical approach to managing difficult employees: identifying the person's core motivations, recognizing how the manager's own behavior may be contributing to the conflict, and engaging in a collaborative problem-solving dialogue. The author posits that while not every employee can be transformed, this psychological approach significantly increases the chances of improving performance and reducing turnover. This classic article remains a foundational text in human resource management and organizational psychology, providing deep insights into the complexities of human behavior and the limitations of standard motivational tactics.