Managing an Employee Who Wants to Impress You All the Time

Every leader knows they shouldn’t play favorites but there will always be team members who want to make it into your inner circle. If a direct report is singularly focused on pleasing you, it’s your job to refocus them. Here’s how. Avoid feeding their need to please. Because of your power and their fear, you may have to watch yourself more carefully than you do with other subordinates. Give the person the same amount of time and attention you do other employees. And make sure you hold them to the same standards of performance. If they spend too much time checking in and gauging your reactions, guide them to make their own decisions. Assign them to work with other leaders or project teams. This will take the pressure off the unhealthy dynamic between you and increase the chances that they collaborate better with others.