They seek too much validation. They're known among peers and supervisors alike for asking too many questions-they know the answers, but they want to check just to make sure. As you perform your job duties, you should resort to supervisors only after exhausting all your other resources. Employees who lack confidence and self-reliance make nuisances of themselves seeking feedback. Most law students and young lawyers say they want feedback, but many want only positive feedback.
Straight talk sends high-maintenance employees into a tailspin.
With these employees, supervisors can't balance praise and constructive criticism. They have to accentuate the praise and buffer the criticism. If you want feedback in your job, you'll do best to reward those who give it to you by listening intently, looking them in the eye, and nodding affirmatively. In interviews, students often ask me what I'm looking for. I usually respond that I'm looking for exceptional research and writing ability and exceptional oral advocacy skills.