Is there any effective way to deal with passive-aggressive behavior in others?

Question

I am concerned about the actions, or lack thereof, of an "independent contractor" of the company, who says he wants to become an employee. He angers and disappoints the owner frequently, but always manages to talk his way out of it. The owner is seriously targeting him to become an employee in a few months.
When told he would need to take a drug test, he said he would have to have advance notice because he "smokes a little pot." The owner agreed to give him time, because he said he was "quitting." I suspect he may do other drugs - he's in his mid-20's and young people don't seem to think it's any big deal to do crack and heroine these days.
I am not an owner, just the office manager. It seems I am always having to apologize to customers for things he said he would do but didn't, etc. He does good work most of the time. and the customers he doesn't neglect are frequently complimenting him. The jobs he doesn't show up for, though, I think are his way of punishing the boss.

Answer 1

I feel for you, being the liaison who has to explain, apologize, cover for negligence, etc. The problem I see is that the owner is very taken with the guy and is cutting him incredible slack.

This worker is not going to change. The only way to deal with him is to not put up with him and supervise him very closely. But the owner chooses not to do that.

There is the option of telling the owner the position you're in vis-a-vis the customers, that you don't like being in a position of having to make excuses and apologies. You don't like losing credibility in their eyes. Maybe he'll let you transfer the customers calls to him.

If he chooses to be an ostrich with his head in the sand, and refuses to face the consequences but makes you do it, the main thing you can do is invest less of yourself in this job because you are being mistreated by your boss. I know this isn't much advice, but you aren't in the position of power. Passive-aggressives will only respond to constant supervision and checking up, and they have be to scared of their boss. Even then, they slack off the minute the boss's attention strays.

Answer 2

I am passive aggressive,and an ex-drug addict.Its people like you that used to get me angry.I know better now.He's not quitting drugs,trust me.My employers new I was a user and hired me also,gave me raises,employee of the month etc.They also warned me when a test was coming,and I always had the stuff to take before the test to hide my use.( BY the way I drive a big truck..scary huh?)He isnt completly in his right mind,and he knows how to manipulate people and things as you said in the jobs he doesnt show up for.He might be an alright person but that sounds more like a character flaw than just a drug habit.I dont have any real advice for you except,that someday,like me it will catch up to him.Trust me on that.I was the most responsible,morally standard(An oxymoron as if there never was one) hard working addict there was.I didnt steal,cheat etc.But life has a way of catching you no matter what.Do your own thing and dont count on him if hes like that.Like my employers,they knew about me and exploited me knowing I could stay awake for days on end,get the job done( actually safelyThank God,and efficiently) but in the end it costs you,nothings free,not even the what you think are good times.Just do your things but keep an eye open.His time will come.

Answer 3

If this person is a contractor, then you must surely have a very well specified employment contract in place which specifies deliverables and performance standards; if not, then your company is negligent.
If he fails to deliver on commitments, I would absolutely not apologize to customers on his behalf but instead convey his contact details directly to the customers and I guarantee, after some direct customer complaints, the business owner will fire him (unless he's an idiot).
Lastly, I think that a direct confrontation regarding the failures in performance are essential and if he tries to "talk his way out of it", threaten him with a breach of contract lawsuit.

Answer 4

It´d be your responsibility to give your boss the unvarnished truth. I´m guessing that passive-aggressiveness (as you call it) is part of the corporate culture in your office and that probably won't change anytime soon.

Your boss is being unfair to you and your colleagues by enabling someone who isn't pulling his weight. As far as your suspicions about him doing crack or heroine, unless you have some evidence other than his age, keep it to yourself.

As far as effectively dealing with passive-aggressive behavior: be straightforward, be consistent with your words and actions and don't accept anything less from others.

Answer 5

I'm sorry manager , but I don't think he's doing that not showing up thing to punish the boss , thats just a happy coincidence, in truth he's just irresponsable . I wouldn't lie for him , Be honest , he's probably giving tho boss a song about trouble at home , and It could be true but ,, the dog still ait his homework..

Answer 6

he's a crackhead be direct with the boss he will end up in a law suit and you all could lose money because of his dope habit