Your team member is falling short on performance. How will you address their underperformance?

1 Initial Steps

Before diving into solutions, it's important to gather information and assess the situation thoroughly. Meet with your team member to discuss their performance in a private, non-confrontational setting. Listen actively to their perspective, as there may be underlying issues you're unaware of, such as personal challenges or unclear expectations. This initial step sets the stage for a constructive dialogue and demonstrates your commitment to their success.

2 Set Expectations

Once you understand the situation, clearly define what successful performance looks like. This involves setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Ensure that your team member fully comprehends these goals and the standards they need to meet. This clarity eliminates ambiguity and provides them with a clear roadmap to follow.

3 Provide Support

Offering support is key to helping your team member improve. This could involve additional training, resources, or even a mentorship arrangement with a high-performing colleague. Regular check-ins can also be beneficial, as they allow you to monitor progress and address any ongoing challenges. Remember, the support you provide should empower them to develop the skills they need to perform effectively.

4 Monitor Progress

After implementing support measures, it's crucial to monitor your team member's progress. Schedule regular follow-up meetings to discuss their achievements and any difficulties they're facing. Use these opportunities to provide constructive feedback and adjust the support plan as necessary. Recognizing improvements, no matter how small, can be a powerful motivator.

5 Adjust Strategy

6 Next Steps

Finally, if all else fails, you may need to take more formal action. This could involve a performance improvement plan (PIP), which outlines specific expectations and consequences if those standards are not met. While this step is more serious, it's sometimes necessary to ensure the team's overall performance does not suffer. Throughout this process, maintain clear communication and document all steps taken.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?