Have you ever found yourself in the daunting position of having to manage an employee who consistently falls short of expectations?
Does the thought of addressing their performance issues fill you with dread?
The feeling of unease can be overwhelming, tempting you to ignore the problem and hope it resolves itself. However, the truth is that the longer performance issues are left unaddressed, the more detrimental they become. Whether you're a seasoned team manager or new to the role, coaching poor performance requires a unique set of skills that can be learned and honed over time.
Managing low performers is a challenge that every organization faces. It is crucial for leaders to tackle these issues promptly and constructively. By implementing effective strategies and leveraging performance improvement tools like Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), organizations can support underperforming employees in reaching their full potential. In this article, we will explore practical approaches to managing low performers and delve into the profound impact these strategies can have on overall organizational success.
Why is it important?
According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, companies that effectively manage performance outperform their peers by 67% in terms of revenue growth.
A survey by McKinsey found that organizations with effective performance management processes were 41% more likely to outperform their competitors.
Gallup research indicates that employees who receive regular feedback and coaching are three times more engaged than those who do not.
According to a study conducted by Gallup, disengaged employees, who often correlate with low performance, cost U.S. companies between $450 billion to $550 billion annually in lost productivity.
Common Mistakes Managers Make:
Lack of Clarity: Failing to set clear performance expectations and goals for low performers, leading to confusion and ambiguity.
Absence of Feedback: Neglecting to provide regular and constructive feedback to low performers, hindering their understanding of areas for improvement.
Failure to Identify Root Causes: Not investigating the underlying reasons for low performance, resulting in a lack of targeted interventions.
Lack of Support and Development: Failing to provide necessary resources, training, and support to help low performers develop their skills and enhance their performance.
Avoiding Difficult Conversations: Shying away from addressing performance issues directly with low performers, causing unresolved issues to persist and affect overall team productivity.
Strategies for Effectively Managing Low Performers:
Intervene Early: Identify performance issues early and address them promptly. Engage in open and honest conversations with low performers to understand their challenges, concerns, and aspirations, and the root causes of underperformance using the SKILL-WILL Matrix.
Expect and Manage Emotional Responses: Recognize that addressing performance issues may evoke various emotions in both the employee and yourself. Handle these emotions with empathy and understanding while maintaining professionalism.
Conduct Direct and Personal Performance Conversations: Demonstrate care and value for your employees by engaging in direct, one-on-one discussions to address their performance issues. Whenever possible, secure a safe and face-to-face environment for these conversations. Follow up with an email to ensure alignment, follow-through, and maintain a record of communication.
Engage HR as a Supportive Resource: Seek guidance and support from Human Resources (HR) from the outset to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures. Involve HR in the process to benefit from their expertise and to establish a collaborative approach to managing low performers.
Establish Clear Performance Expectations: Set clear and specific performance expectations that align with the organization's goals. Communicate these expectations effectively to employees using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework.
Develop a Structured Plan (PIP) to Encourage Stepping up: Collaborate with low performers to create a performance improvement plan (PIP) that outlines clear goals, identifies areas for improvement, and establishes a timeline for monitoring progress. This plan sets a roadmap for success and provides a framework for ongoing performance discussions.
Provide Constructive Feedback and Coaching: Offer regular feedback to low performers, focusing on specific behaviors, results, and areas for improvement. Provide constructive guidance and cultivate a Growth Mindset to help them develop the necessary skills and enhance their performance.
Facilitate Training and Development Opportunities: Identify relevant training and development opportunities that can enhance the skills and capabilities of low performers. Offer resources, workshops, or mentoring programs to support their professional growth and improve their performance.
Ensure Accountability through Regular Reviews: Conduct regular performance reviews to assess progress, provide feedback, and recognize improvements. Ensure these reviews are objective, fair, and provide employees with a clear understanding of their performance status and areas for further development.
Celebrate Wins with Recognition and Rewards: Recognize and reward improvements in performance to reinforce positive behaviors and motivate low performers. Celebrate milestones and achievements to boost morale and foster a culture of continuous growth and improvement.
Managing low performers is not about quick fixes or temporary solutions, but rather about nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By adopting a proactive and structured approach, organizations can turn low performers into high achievers, fostering overall success and creating a positive work culture that benefits everyone involved.
If you would like to hear more about people management tips and tricks, follow me on Linkedin, check out my Leading People Workbook, sign up to my newsletter, and stay tuned for more content...
Please feel free to reach out by emailing me at leadrisecoaching@gmail.com if you have any comments, questions, or experiences to share! I would love to hear from you!