Is a team member under-performing?

Tip

What can you do to turn it around? First you have to understand why they aren't meeting your expectations.

There are only 3 reasons why.

• They don't know your expectations.
• They don't have the right skills.
• They don't have the motivation.

If someone doesn't know your expectations, then it's on you.

• Have you been clear about what you expect?
• Have you given them a chance to weigh in on whether the expectations are reasonable?
• Have you explained why the expectations are what they are?

If someone doesn't have the skills to meet your expectations

• Can you acknowledge you hired poorly?
• Can you train them in what their current role needs?
• Can you help them transition to a role that is better fit for their strength?

If someone isn't motivated to meet your expectations

This one often takes more time to get to the bottom of.

• There are more important things going on in their non-work life
• Your values and theirs diff
• They don't feel their work matters
• The mission doesn't inspire them
• They aren't learning or growing
• They don't feel respected

In some cases, the best thing to do is to recognize there is a mismatch in what the person wants and what you want, and part ways.

In other cases, working on the relationship through better communication can resolve the motivation issue.

I believe everyone has incredible gifts to bring, and life is too short to remain long in an environment that doesn’t see them or isn’t a good fit for turning those gifts into value.

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