Try this if a team member is underperforming

Summary

• I learned that clear communication is crucial when setting expectations for team members. If someone's performance is lacking, it might be because they simply don't know what's expected of them.

• Always make sure to explain expectations as clearly to the team member as I would to anyone asking about their performance. This ensures there are no misunderstandings.

• After clearly defining expectations, it's possible to see a significant improvement in performance, as I witnessed when a team member aligned with the rest of the team within two weeks after a clear conversation.

• It's important to not assume underperformance is due to a lack of skills; often, it's about not knowing what "good" looks like in their role.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing clear communication strategies in your business or personal growth journey. Begin by setting straightforward expectations for everyone involved. This means explicitly spelling out what "good" looks like. Don't just think it—put it into words.

A good way of doing this is to hold regular conversations with your team or even yourself about what's expected. If someone’s not performing well, check if they truly know what's expected of them. Sit down and explain, as thoroughly as you would if narrating their story to someone else.

Once you’ve communicated expectations, revisit the process after a short while—say, two weeks—to see if things have improved. Often, aligning everyone with clear expectations leads to significant performance boosts quickly.

Remember, underperformance is usually not about lacking skills but rather not knowing the goal. So, define what success looks like for each role and individual. This clarity will guide everyone towards better outcomes without needing to spend extra money or invest excessive time.

By focusing on these communication tips, you can drive improvements effectively and without extra costs.