Effective performance management is a key factor for business success. Poor individual or team results can have an extensive ripple effect on the company, therefore it’s essential to understand how best to improve efficiency and produce optimal outcomes with strategies designed specifically for deficient performances. Discover in this article why managing unacceptable practices are critical factors when navigating within your workplace environment as well as discover additional tips that will help you increase overall productivity levels!
What are the Benefits of Knowing How to Address Substandard Performance?
Being able to properly handle underperformance at work is essential for any team leader. The benefits of having this skill include:
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Enhance the performance and efficiency of the team.
With success in mind, developing sound strategies to manage poor performance is key. Encouraging personal and collective motivation not only bolsters trust amongst team members but facilitates better communication for a more efficient workflow overall. Effective management of teammates’ underperformance can help your entire team proactively identify issues before they arise, setting the groundwork for higher productivity levels into the future.
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Aim high and have lofty goals for the team.
By successfully managing an employee’s inadequate performance, you can encourage other co-workers to not just meet, but exceed the standards set for their role. Whether it be in a customer-facing environment or beyond, this allows them to identify and recognise what is expected of them in terms of quality output – ensuring that your customers always receive top service!By successfully managing an employee’s inadequate performance, you can encourage other co-workers to not just meet, but exceed the standards set for their role. Whether it be in a customer-facing environment or beyond, this allows them to identify and recognise what is expected of them in terms of quality output – ensuring that your customers always receive top service!
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Establish trust
As a manager, developing trust and respect with your co-workers is paramount. Showing that you value their efforts through appreciation will help create an atmosphere of recognition and ease within the team dynamic. Additionally, if one or more members are facing adversity it’s important to be supportive yet firm in order to ensure everyone is performing at their best!
Six Strategies for Dealing with Underperforming Employees
Here are some strategies you can use to address underperformance in your team:
1. Identify the problem.
To efficiently tackle substandard performance in a team, you must first pinpoint the core cause. This allows for an accurate evaluation of how extensive the problem is and its duration. Taking this initial step enables successful management to address the matter effectively.
2. Take swift action to resolve the issue.
It is essential for team success to take proactive steps when addressing poor performance. Encouraging a dialogue in a one-on-one setting can help the employee gain insight into how their output measures up against company standards and provide an opportunity to adjust accordingly.
3. Documenting the process is essential.
It’s important to responsibly preserve the history of performance management in order to communicate employee issues effectively with upper management. Developing a journal that records team dynamics, outlines strategies employed for professional development and shares best practices when it comes to underperformance can be an immensely beneficial tool.
4. Inquire about the topic.
The key to successfully managing poor performance is approaching the situation with understanding and compassion. By taking time to investigate, you can determine what difficulties may be hindering success while assuring team members of your continued support. Encourage other staff members to rally around those facing struggles as they learn new responsibilities – providing an opportunity for growth that leads everyone closer towards their common goals!
5. Promote accountability.
When team members appreciate the significance of their contributions and foster a culture of mutual collaboration, they are empowered to work diligently toward common objectives. This also creates an open environment for discussion, so that everyone feels comfortable seeking assistance when it’s needed.
6. Acknowledge the individual’s strengths.
Acknowledging the effort and progress of employees, even with small accomplishments, can be a great way to motivate individuals that may find themselves in challenging roles. If a new hire is having trouble meeting certain expectations of their role it’s important to emphasise any positives they present while also respectfully pointing out areas needing improvement – this builds trust and contributes towards creating an environment where team members will reach outside their comfort zone for improved results!
7. Give genuine feedback.
Investing in your team’s development not only shows appreciation for their hard work, but also opens the door to a world of possibilities. Offering improvest feedback and considering other departments where an employee’s unique talents can be better used demonstrates that you value them as part of the organisation and are willing to help them reach new heights – professionally or otherwise.
8. Create an action plan to increase performance.
To ensure success, it’s important to stay ahead of any common performance issues that may arise. Create a performance improvement plan for the entire team or individual workers as needed – this visually demonstrates expectations with tangible goals and offers direction towards improvements. Regular check-ins, timely feedback and incentive programs can also be powerful tools used in enhancing overall productivity within your organisation!
9. Make sure to check in with the team member.
To ensure success in an ever-evolving workplace, it is important to stay connected with team members as they strive for professional growth. Measure progress and provide encouragement along the way — showing interest and support will foster a sense of security that encourages commitment to the organisation.
David Alssema is a Body Language Expert and Motivational Speaker. As a performer in the personal development industry in Australia he has introduced and created new ways to inspire, motivate and develop individuals.
David Alssema started his training career with companies such as Telstra and Optus Communications, and then developed Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) within workplace training as principal of Paramount Training & Development.
As an author/media consultant on body language and professional development David has influenced workplaces across Australia. He contributes to Media such as The West Australian, ABC Radio, Australian Magazines and other Australia Media Sources.