Even the best employees have a bad day or week every now and then, but one of your team members has been struggling for a while now. Whether a new hire has fallen short of your expectations or a long-time staffer isn’t performing at the level you know they’re capable of, this is a tricky situation.
You don’t want to fire the person because you still believe in them. However, it seems things aren’t going to change on their own, so it’s time to intervene. Here’s some advice to help them make the necessary improvements.
Identify the Problem
You can’t help the employee until you fully understand what’s going on. For example, if their productivity has fallen dramatically, try to get to the root of the issue.
Maybe you’ve noticed they’ve been taking frequent breaks and longer lunches or aren’t participating in meetings as much as they used to. These signs might not seem major, but they could indicate the person is checked out and looking for a new job. It’s important to step in as quickly as possible, so you can try to resolve the problem.
Have an Honest Conversation
Meet with the employee in private to discuss the issue at hand. Calmly and kindly let them know you’ve noticed they’re struggling — i.e., with productivity, performance, etc. — and want to help.
It’s possible the person didn’t realize they weren’t meeting your expectations, so this will serve as a welcome wake-up call. They might also reveal a reason behind their struggle you weren’t aware of — i.e., a lack of training for a new project or an issue in their personal life. Whatever they say, be prepared to help.
Create a Plan Together
After you and your employee get on the same page, it’s time to move forward. Work together to create a plan that helps them improve in the area they’re struggling with.
Create specific goals and make your expectations clear, so there’s no room for confusion. This will serve as a clear roadmap to help them get back on track.
Check-In Regularly
Show your employee you’re truly invested in their success by scheduling regular meetings to discuss their progress. During this time, they’ll be able to share updates, ask questions and inform you of any roadblocks hindering their success.
This will make them feel valued while also letting them know you’re holding them accountable to the plan for improvement you made together. Knowing you’re watching and that you care will make a world of difference.
Is it difficult finding a new hire that checks all your boxes? PrideStaff Dallas wants to help! Get in touch today to discuss a partnership.
