Credit @ work.

Dear Andy,

As a relatively new manager, I am finding that dealing with difficult personality types on my staff is easily the most challenging aspect of my job. Do you have any tried-and-true tips for addressing problem employees?

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Your question acknowledges what may be the cardinal rule for managers: Don't ignore difficult employees or workplace situations, hoping they'll resolve themselves. This rarely happens.

Although few managers look forward to discussing performance or attitude problems with staff members, it's an essential responsibility of those in supervisory roles. Employees rightly look to their boss to handle people problems and make difficult decisions.

The following suggestions may be helpful to you in stemming personnel problems that have the potential to damage your team's productivity and morale:

Don't wait for employees to come to you. If you're already aware of issues such as ineffective staff members or individuals who thrive on causing problems for others, address these situations head-on. The rest of your staff will appreciate a boss who doesn't have to be prodded to confront obvious problems in the workplace.