Malcom asks the following question about the thread on problem people:
> instance, "what is it about our system that's making it
> difficult for that person to be successful?"
An excellent question! Having been a contributor to that thread, and
having described a "problem person" in some detail, I'd like to throw out
an idea or two.
First, I agree that systemic forces can have an incredible impact on an
persons behavior. One thing we commonly forget is that we live life as a
"whole" and it is very difficult to separate our private lives and our
professional lives. Our behavior -- in every setting -- ripples through
our life, and affects, in some form or another, how we interact with other
people and other environments. It is difficult, if not impossible, to live
life in "parts." And so when a systemic problem is identified, it doesn't
always mean that the people in the work environment can -- or even should
-- help the individual solve their problems. Only when the problem is
systemic to the work environment can colleagues and managers provide any
real assistance.
Second, even when there are broad systemic forces influencing an persons
behavior, it doesn't mean that abusive behavior has to be tolerated.
Clearly, when there is just one person disrupting a team or group then the
systemic forces at play extend beyond the work environment. Then, at best,
the only thing a manager could do, as Rol suggests, is help the person get
professional help.
Hopefully this answers your questions.
--Benjamin B. Compton ("Ben") | email: bcompton@novell.com Novell GroupWare Technical Engineer | fax: (801) 222-6991
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>