Q&A: Disinterested and resistant to feedback

Ah, another classic case of "The Difficult Teammate!" Managing this situation can feel a bit like trying to coax a cat into a bath—tricky, but not impossible! Let’s explore a few low-pressure and practical options you might want to consider to help navigate this challenge.

1. Play detective (try to understand the root cause)

Start by digging a little deeper (metaphorically, of course). A one-on-one chat over coffee (or their beverage of choice) could reveal a lot. Are they disengaged because they’re bored? Overwhelmed? Feeling undervalued? Sometimes, just showing you care enough to ask can make a world of difference.

2. Find their “spark”

Everyone has a thing that lights them up at work. Maybe they’re detail-oriented but stuck doing high-level brainstorming, or they’re creative but drowning in spreadsheets. Aligning tasks with their strengths can reignite their enthusiasm. If their workload can’t shift, find small ways to connect their tasks to a bigger picture—make it meaningful!

3. Feedback, but make it subtle

Resistant to feedback? Try a softer approach. Instead of formal feedback sessions, use casual, collaborative conversations. For example: “Hey, I noticed X, and I think you’d really nail Y if we tweak Z. What do you think?”

This shifts the focus from critique to collaboration, making it less likely to trigger defensiveness.

4. Celebrate small wins

Sometimes, disinterest stems from feeling invisible or unappreciated. Celebrate their contributions—big or small. Recognition can be as simple as a “Great job on that ....!” in a meeting or a quick thank-you email.

5. Involve them in solutions

If the resistance persists, involve them in finding solutions. This not only empowers them but also shows that their input matters. Creates that ever important sense of buy-in.

6. Know when to escalate

If you’ve tried everything and they’re still not interested, it might be time for a more direct conversation about their role and fit within the team. Be honest but empathetic—sometimes, the best solution for everyone is a change.

Remember: Disinterest and resistance are often signs of a deeper issue. Approach the situation with curiosity and empathy, and you’re likely to uncover what’s really going on. Who knows? Your disengaged teammate might just surprise you with a turnaround!

Good luck—you’ve got this Maddy!