Teamwork comes from the effort of every member in the team. If there is someone who is lagging then it can affect the overall flow in the team. Underperformance is frustrating thing in business because it can cause project to drag out well. However, it is not right to blame everything on the underperformer. The best thing to do is help your struggling workers without hurting their feelings.
How to help struggling employees in your team
It is common for human to struggle and every individual faces it in different ways sometimes. Some people might be more affected when they under the stress causing their performance at work drop. Meanwhile, there are others who can still work professionally even when they are facing personal struggles. If you find your employees being underperform lately, it is time for you to help them and find the best solution for all.
Find the problem
It is essential to find the root of the problem first thing first. There are two common factors of underperformance. They are lack of skill and lack of motivation. When it it is caused by the lack of skill, it is still manageable and fixable. It may requires support, time, and resources but at least the problem is clear and the solution is there.
The root of the problem
However, it may be more challenging when the root of the problem is lack of motivation. You will have to have an open, honest conversation with your team member. They are probably currently struggling with personal struggles at the time. Or, it is also possible that they are just being unaware of your managerial expectations. Finding the root of the problems is crucial before taking any actions.
Set clear expectation
Make sure that your expectation is clear so your team members know what the objectives they have to achieve. It is possible for your employees to have no idea of what is expected of them. This may look harmless but it can lead to misalignment. Hence, be clear with your company expectations by having an open-door policy. Set SMART goals to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Give feedback
Do not be hesitant in giving feedback when you notice one of your team members is on the verge of underperformance territory. You can collect information first about their latest tasks and what mistakes they did. If their mistakes impact the team in general, take note of it. Then, conduct a personal meeting with the struggling employee. Explain what is not working and discuss everything in calm manner and make sure you are on the same page. Then, give them specific goals to achieved with specific deadline to meet and monitor their progress.
Give recognition to team who deserves
Do not hesitate to give recognition for a job well done and don’t be stingy with praise. Recognition and praise are form of appreciation. Praising your workers for doing their job excellently can do wonder to their motivation. Recognize their efforts in your one-on-one meeting and give them a shoutout during a group meeting. Or you can simply tell them what you like about their work.
