Last updated on Jul 22, 2024

You're facing team underperformance. How do you maintain a positive dynamic while addressing it effectively?

When your team isn't performing up to par, it can be a tough situation to navigate. You're tasked with the challenge of addressing the issues without dampening morale. It's a delicate balance, but with the right approach, you can maintain a positive dynamic while effectively getting your team back on track. The key is to facilitate open communication, provide constructive feedback, and foster an environment that encourages growth and improvement.

1 Identify Issues

The first step in addressing team underperformance is to identify the root causes. This requires open and honest communication with your team members to understand their challenges and concerns. Engage in active listening and encourage them to share their perspectives. Once you've pinpointed the issues, whether they're related to skills, resources, or motivation, you can begin to develop a targeted strategy to overcome these obstacles. Remember, the goal is to solve problems, not to place blame.

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Timi Olufawo

Managing Director/CEO, Timzigab Transportation Services Corp l Board Member l Business Operations & Growth Management l Business Development I Positivity Evangelist I
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Team underperformance affects the total productivity of the team, which in return affects total results. As a leader I have to focus on getting to the root cause of my team's underperformance by asking the team members the Five WHYS. With a positive mindset bring the team together as a group and discuss why the team is underperforming. Show the team the current results and ask each member to freely identify why they think the team is not meeting set expectations. Take notes while each member talks and at the end of the fifth Why, base on the feedback from the team, create a SMART action plan with the team to turn around performance. Make sure each member understands the action plan 100% and what their role is in the plan. follow up

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2 Set Clear Goals

With the issues laid out, it's time to set clear, achievable goals. These objectives should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By providing your team with a clear direction and milestones to reach, you'll help them stay focused and motivated. Ensure that each team member understands their role in achieving these goals and feels accountable for the outcome. This clarity can reignite their drive and improve performance.

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Timi Olufawo

Managing Director/CEO, Timzigab Transportation Services Corp l Board Member l Business Operations & Growth Management l Business Development I Positivity Evangelist I
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Always set Clear goals for your team and ensure they understand the goals 100%. When you set the goals for the team, also make sure there is a SMART action plan to achieve the goals, ensure every member of the team understands the action plan and has the tools to execute the plan correctly. Once there is a SMART Plan and a clear goal in place, Make sure to follow up consistently with the team to ensure they are on the right path to success.

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3 Provide Support

As a facilitator, your role is to support your team in overcoming their performance hurdles. This might involve offering additional training, resources, or even just a listening ear. Show empathy and understand that improvement is a process. By being there for your team and helping them access the tools they need to succeed, you're not just addressing underperformance; you're building a stronger, more resilient team.

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4 Encourage Collaboration

Encouraging collaboration among team members can lead to innovative solutions and a more dynamic work environment. Facilitate opportunities for your team to work together on projects or problem-solving sessions. This not only helps in sharing the workload but also allows for the exchange of ideas and skills. A collaborative atmosphere can boost morale and foster a sense of community, making your team stronger in the face of challenges.

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5 Give Feedback

Feedback is crucial for improvement, but it's important that it's constructive and delivered in the right way. Focus on specific behaviors or outcomes rather than personal traits, and always offer suggestions for improvement. Recognize achievements and progress as well—this will help maintain a positive dynamic and motivate your team to continue striving for excellence. Balance is key; too much criticism can be disheartening, while too much praise can seem insincere.

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Timi Olufawo

Managing Director/CEO, Timzigab Transportation Services Corp l Board Member l Business Operations & Growth Management l Business Development I Positivity Evangelist I
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Always give feedback to the team as a group and also as individuals to encourage improvement. Your feedback should be inform of Coaching and positive reinforcement. Always identify the good in your team and address the negative opportunities that may arise. Be open and approachable to your team always, so as the build trust. Remember your team defines you, so ensure your team reflects you.

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6 Monitor Progress

Finally, keep track of your team's progress towards the goals you've set. Regular check-ins will help you gauge whether your strategies are effective and if any adjustments need to be made. This also shows your team that you're invested in their success and that their efforts are being recognized. Monitoring progress helps maintain momentum and ensures that any issues are addressed promptly, keeping your team on the path to improved performance.

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Timi Olufawo

Managing Director/CEO, Timzigab Transportation Services Corp l Board Member l Business Operations & Growth Management l Business Development I Positivity Evangelist I
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Always stay on top of your team's progress and celebrate each wins and milestone achievements. As a leader be known as a leader that celebrates his team, not only with his team but also in the entire organization. Have a productivity board in your office when you post weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, and yearly progress of your team. Make the board accessible to your team members. The more your team knows about their progress, the more productive and engaging they would be.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Team Facilitation

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You're facing team underperformance. How do you maintain a positive dynamic while addressing it effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify Issues

2 Set Clear Goals

3 Provide Support

4 Encourage Collaboration

5 Give Feedback

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Team Facilitation

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You're facing team underperformance. How do you maintain a positive dynamic while addressing it effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify Issues

2 Set Clear Goals

3 Provide Support

4 Encourage Collaboration

5 Give Feedback

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Team Facilitation

Rate this article

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