Managing Passive-Aggressive Team Members

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Sometimes it’s the little things that can undermine your authority as a leader or manager. This is particularly so if a team member behaves in a passive-aggressive manner.

Passive-aggressive behaviour takes many forms but typical signs are:

  • Frequent eye-rolling at meetings
  • Non-compliance and ignoring instructions
  • Silence or sulking when they are unhappy
  • Refusing to make eye-contact when you are speaking with them
  • Making sarcastic comments – sometimes hidden in a cough or quietly muttered

Passive-aggressive staff members will lower morale and undermine your authority. Their intention is not usually malicious. In fact, their actions are usually caused by an inability to share their feelings or express their opinions.

If left unchecked, they will sabotage your organisation so don’t ignore their behaviour.
Instead, address the issue privately with the staff member concerned.

Here are three tips to help you deal with a passive-aggressive team member.

Tip 1 – Confront their behaviour and ask them to explain their motivation. For example, “Stacey, I noticed you rolled your eyes several times during the meeting. Are you unhappy with some of the strategies, we are about to implement?”

Tip 2 – Often passive-aggressive people lack the courage to express their opinion so reassure the staff member by explaining the value of hearing diverse opinions. After all, a different perspective can be invaluable in many business decisions.

Tip 3 – If the passive-aggressive team member is being disruptive during the meeting, ask others if they have similar concerns. Using the power of the group can modify behaviour and reinforce your authority. Of course, you may find your team has divergent opinions so it’s a great opportunity to hear all views before making a final decision.

Looking for guidance on managing difficult people?

Managing people is challenging and sometimes you’ll find yourself in a situation where you
need support to handle a particular team member.

That’s where End2End Business Solutions can help you. They have the skills and experience to advise you. For advice on managing tricky team members, call End2End on 02 8977 4002.