Leila v18ky underperforming team member Reilly 2 12 25 v2
Summary
- I had someone on my team who was underperforming, and their boss wasn't sure if they would make it. This was because expectations were not clearly communicated to them.
- I asked the boss if they had explained their expectations as clearly to the employee as they had to me, and the answer was no.
- Clear communication is key. Once the expectations were clearly communicated to the employee, their performance improved within two weeks.
- The problem wasn’t a lack of skills, but rather a lack of understanding of what "good" looked like.
- Almost every time I've encountered underperformance, clarifying expectations has resolved it. It's crucial to communicate what you expect clearly and directly.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest implementing clear communication as a top priority in your business or personal growth journey. To do this, start by taking time to clearly define what "good" looks like in every role or situation. You can jot down specific outcomes or behaviors you want to see, making sure they are easy to understand.
A good way of doing this is to have one-on-one conversations with your team members or anyone involved. Clearly communicate these expectations just like you would explain them to a friend. Simple language works best. Use examples to illustrate your points so that there's no room for confusion.
Remember, this doesn't require any special skills or money, just your time and attention. By doing this, you'll likely see improvements in performance and understanding quickly, just like I did when I clarified expectations for my team member.
Check in regularly to provide feedback. This shows others how they’re doing in relation to the clear expectations you’ve set. It keeps everyone on track and allows for adjustments if needed.
Lastly, apply this clarity in communication to your personal goals. Write down clear, actionable steps that define success for you. This clarity can support significant personal growth, helping you reach your goals more effectively.