Dealing with under-performing employees is one of the biggest challenges of a leader. When faced with this situation, we need to figure out: Is this a talent issue, a training issue, a management issue, a motivation issue, or more likely – a combination. Often “Performance Improvement Plans” – PIPs – are used in this situation. Here are some ideas on how to use them … [Read more...] about Performance Improvement Plans That Work
Teamwork
Moving Past Disagreement to Dialogue
As the US becomes even more polarized, disagreements over a wide variety of topics are more and more common. The only way we can move forward as a society is to find ways to work through our disagreements and forge a path forward. How can we move past disagreement and enter into real dialogue? Here are some ideas. First, we need to adopt a mindset that the other person … [Read more...] about Moving Past Disagreement to Dialogue
Improve Your Delegation Skills
You have high standards of excellence. You seek perfection in everything you do. You receive lots of accolades for your performance. Therefore, it makes it really hard for you to delegate . . . This is a classic problem and I have seen it plague experienced leaders as well as new ones. Based on a recent article in Harvard Business Review, here are some … [Read more...] about Improve Your Delegation Skills
Improve Your One-on-One Meetings
Whether you are the boss or the direct report, many people dread their regular one-on-one meetings. It does not have to be that way! Here are some tips to improve your meetings: *How Often? Every two weeks works for most people, but of course there are exceptions. *How Long? Block 50 minutes and don’t feel like you have to fill the time. If you are done then you … [Read more...] about Improve Your One-on-One Meetings
Your Underperforming Employee
It’s exciting to hire a new employee! The workplace is full of promise about the new ideas, skills, and energy this person will bring to the team. But sometimes . . . the honeymoon is over quickly. The incorrect strategy that many managers use when this happens is . . . wishful thinking! Don’t do this! You must address the situation immediately. You need to engage … [Read more...] about Your Underperforming Employee