How to manage underperforming teams and employees
How does one assigned to lead and manage a team with a track record for underperforming turn things around? Managing underperforming groups and individuals is a real challenge – but it’s also an opportunity to have a marvelous impact on the organization as a whole.
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Consider these tips and approaches for transforming a group of underperformers.
Understand the dynamics within the team
Get to know every team member as a unique individual, understanding their strengths and opportunities for improvement. Use this information to help craft the strategy going forward.
Ask. Ask. Ask.
Make sure to confirm that the team or employee understands, not proceeding until you are both perfectly clear. Listen 80 percent, talk 20 percent of the time. Seek to understand why performance is lacking, and reserve judgment until you’ve heard them out.
Work on instilling trust amid vulnerability
Trust, being the foundation of productive relationships, should be developed naturally and not forced. Embark on a trust building process through steps such as being present in team meetings and events, as well as being part of the conversation wherever it is happening.
Appreciate effort and hard work
Recognize every positive effort or movement – this will encourage progress toward the desired performance goal. Reinforce their strengths and commendable work. Demonstrate appreciation not just for what is being done, but for who they are.
Image source: Pixabay.com
Ms. Leslie Hocker is a network marketing veteran who has had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders such as Tony Robbins of the Robbins Companies and Jeff Olson of The People’s Network. Read more leadership articles on this page.
