Last updated on Jul 4, 2024

Here's how you can support and improve underperforming team members effectively.

Supporting and improving underperforming team members is a vital skill in team facilitation. It's about identifying the root causes of underperformance and addressing them with empathy and strategic action. Whether you're leading a project team, managing a department, or simply looking to uplift your colleagues, your approach can make all the difference. The key is to foster an environment where each member feels valued and equipped to contribute their best. By following practical steps, you can transform underperformance into an opportunity for growth and team cohesion.

1 Identify Causes

Before you can effectively support an underperforming team member, it's crucial to understand why they're struggling. Engage in a one-on-one conversation to uncover any personal or professional challenges they may be facing. Listen actively and with empathy, as the issue could range from a skills gap to personal issues affecting their work. This step is not about assigning blame but rather gathering insights that will inform how you can best assist them.

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Anna Borodina

Transformation Facilitator I Communication Trainer I Business Development Professional
We tend to focus on more obvious professionally related causes like the skills and expertise, tasks, and workload. However, sometimes it is necessary to have a broader view of the situation. The cause of the underperformance could be a result of the permanent stress from a non-matching mode of communication or workspace interfering with the person's needs. By considering these less obvious factors, you can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges they face and provide more effective support tailored to their unique situation. Inventory of Process Communication Model could be very helpful in this analysis.
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Kandi Kuck

--Never Stop Learning and Growing!
After you have identified the cause, providing next steps, specific feedback and resources to achieve as a team are crucial.
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Gerson Kerstner

Gerente de Operações | Gerente de Projetos | Gerente de Qualidade | Gerente de Customer Success | Engenheiro Elétrico | 🚀Conectando Qualidade, Inovação e Satisfação na Gestão de Operações e Projetos com Excelência.
Através da análise de desempenho, revise dados de desempenho e feedback para identificar padrões e áreas problemáticas. Converse com o membro da equipe para entender melhor os desafios que estão enfrentando. Pergunte sobre dificuldades pessoais, problemas com a carga de trabalho ou falta de habilidades específicas.

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2 Set Goals

Once you've identified the causes of underperformance, work with the team member to set realistic and achievable goals. These should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By involving them in this process, you empower them to take ownership of their improvement journey. Regular check-ins to track progress and provide feedback are essential, as they reinforce commitment and recognize improvements, no matter how small.

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Gerson Kerstner

Gerente de Operações | Gerente de Projetos | Gerente de Qualidade | Gerente de Customer Success | Engenheiro Elétrico | 🚀Conectando Qualidade, Inovação e Satisfação na Gestão de Operações e Projetos com Excelência.
Crie um PDI que inclua metas de curto e longo prazo, bem como as etapas necessárias para alcançá-las. Identifique recursos necessários, como treinamentos, mentoria, ou ferramentas que possam ajudar o colaborador a melhorar.

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3 Provide Resources

To help team members improve, you must ensure they have access to the necessary resources. This could include additional training, mentoring from a more experienced colleague, or even just clearer guidelines and expectations. Make sure they know what's available and encourage them to take advantage of these opportunities. Sometimes, having the right tools or knowledge is all that's needed to turn performance around.

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Gerson Kerstner

Gerente de Operações | Gerente de Projetos | Gerente de Qualidade | Gerente de Customer Success | Engenheiro Elétrico | 🚀Conectando Qualidade, Inovação e Satisfação na Gestão de Operações e Projetos com Excelência.
Além de oferecer treinamento específico para desenvolver as habilidades que estão faltando, assegure que o colaborador tenha acesso a mentoria ou coaching para orientação e apoio contínuo. Proporcione feedback regular e construtivo, destacando tanto os progressos quanto as áreas que ainda precisam de melhoria. Use a técnica de feedback positivo e construtivo, para tornar a crítica mais atraente e motivadora.

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4 Encourage Collaboration

Fostering a collaborative team environment can also support underperforming members. Encourage them to seek help and share knowledge with their peers. This not only builds a supportive network around them but also promotes a culture of continuous learning and mutual assistance within the team. Collaboration can inspire confidence and help individuals feel more connected to the team's goals and achievements.

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Joape Kuruyawa

Strategic Communications | Branding | Business Strategy | Corporate Communications| Stakeholder Management | Global Diplomacy | Competitive Strategy
Encouraging collaboration within a tribe is akin to weaving a stronger fabric, where every thread matters. When the tribe rallies together, even the weakest link transforms into a robust connector. It’s a classic case of "many hands make light work." By fostering a spirit of teamwork, the tribe ensures that no one is left to "carry the weight alone." Through mutual support and shared wisdom, "iron sharpens iron," and every member is uplifted. The "strength in numbers" philosophy becomes the tribe’s mantra, creating a unified force where every individual feels valued and capable. In this dynamic synergy, the tribe not only survives but thrives.
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5 Adjust Workloads

Analyze the team member's workload to ensure it's manageable and aligns with their capabilities. Sometimes, underperformance is simply a matter of being overwhelmed with too much work or being assigned tasks that don't match one's skills. Adjusting workloads can alleviate pressure and allow team members to focus on delivering quality work within their capacity.

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6 Reflect Progress

Regular reflection on progress is vital for continuous improvement. Encourage your team member to self-reflect on their performance and the steps they've taken towards their goals. This reflection should be facilitated in a supportive environment that focuses on growth and learning from past experiences. Celebrate successes together and discuss constructively any setbacks, always with an eye on future development.

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Gerson Kerstner

Gerente de Operações | Gerente de Projetos | Gerente de Qualidade | Gerente de Customer Success | Engenheiro Elétrico | 🚀Conectando Qualidade, Inovação e Satisfação na Gestão de Operações e Projetos com Excelência.
Reconheça e celebre as melhorias, mesmo que sejam pequenas. Isso motiva o colaborador a continuar se esforçando. Considere oferecer incentivos para melhorias significativas no desempenho.

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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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Gerson Kerstner

Gerente de Operações | Gerente de Projetos | Gerente de Qualidade | Gerente de Customer Success | Engenheiro Elétrico | 🚀Conectando Qualidade, Inovação e Satisfação na Gestão de Operações e Projetos com Excelência.
Apoiar e melhorar membros da equipe com baixo desempenho de forma eficaz envolve: 1) Empatia e confiança para criar um ambiente seguro. 2) Definição clara de expectativas e metas para orientar o desenvolvimento. 3) Feedback contínuo e construtivo para garantir progresso. 4) Treinamento e desenvolvimento personalizado para abordar lacunas específicas. 5) Reconhecimento e motivação para incentivar melhorias.

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Here's how you can support and improve underperforming team members effectively.

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Identify Causes

2 Set Goals

3 Provide Resources

4 Encourage Collaboration

5 Adjust Workloads

6 Reflect Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Team Facilitation

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Here's how you can support and improve underperforming team members effectively.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify Causes

2 Set Goals

3 Provide Resources

4 Encourage Collaboration

5 Adjust Workloads

6 Reflect Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Team Facilitation

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