As diverse as their personalities, the performance of team members too varies in a team.
There are average performers, underperformers and overachievers.
A manager has to manage each one of them differently.
Here are some insights on managing overachievers.
Overachievers generally tend to have more energy, passion, drive and zeal to succeed than normal workers.
Managing them requires a different attitude.
The manager has to look out for certain behavioral traits which are typical of overachievers setting unrealistic expectations, working long hours and readiness to do anything to succeed.
Without proper management, they can lose focus and become dysfunctional and ultimately unable to perform and job efficiently.
As the managers have to understand their personality and earn their trust so that they believe that you have their best interests in mind.
You need to develop a positive relationship with them so that both of you benefit.
Managing overachievers starts with identifying them in the interview stage itself.
To spot them during the selection process look for cues like signs of initiative in their work or personal history.
They usually display high levels of expectations from their company.
If you already have someone in your team whom you suspect to be an overachiever, look for signs like going beyond what is in his job description to do things and preference to work alone and in teams.
They typically have scant respect for rules and processes.
They are more concerned with accomplishing the tasks.
They usually take shortcuts, leaving the details to somebody else and do not communicate to their bosses.
They are generally not happy with their efforts and to push harder and expect others to do well.
They lose their patience fast and are not much into interacting with others.
They are impatient and find it difficult to explain things to others and wonder why others do not see the big picture like them.
Overachievers are usually good at problem solving, have foresight and acumen.
Now that you are aware of the telltale signs of overachievers, you must know how to deal with them.
Such people love to accomplish tasks, beyond expectations, at the same time they tire of a job easily and cannot remain in the same kind of job for long.
In order to retain them, their job should be changed frequently or be more varied and highly challenging to sustain their interest.
They need instant recognition for their work and demand more of your time.
Be prepared to give them both.
Also be careful with your criticism because they do not react well to it.
Managing overachievers requires overachievers requires tact and diplomacy.