Identify patterns of underperformance early by closely monitoring tasks and results. Address issues promptly to avoid them escalating.
Understand the root cause—whether it’s lack of skills, motivation, or external factors. Approach this step with empathy.
Clearly outline performance expectations, goals, and benchmarks. Ensure the employee knows what success looks like.
Set realistic and achievable performance goals. Let employees know what they can expect from management during the improvement process.
Work together to develop an improvement plan. Agree on steps, timelines, and resources needed for progress.
Offer actionable, specific feedback. Highlight areas for improvement and recognize strengths to motivate better performance.
Consistently check in on progress and provide support. Keep communication open and positive to encourage continuous improvement.
If performance doesn’t improve despite efforts, be prepared to make difficult decisions. Prioritize the team's overall success and productivity.