Despite the efforts of a good manager, there are times when an employee’s performance falls below the acceptable line.

When this happens it is important to address the issue sooner than later. I can tell you that this is true because I have waited too long and it just makes the situation harder to address and correct.

Just trying to encourage employees to do a better job rarely fixes any problems that may exist.

Managers need to find out what the problem is and why the employee lacks the understanding of what their job performance should be. once this is accomplished then they can began to direct them in getting on track.

There are four main steps to take when addressing an employee’s inadequate performance. It is important that you set up a time to talk to the employee in private and let them know that you want to discuss their job performance.

Make sure you have everything you will need to address these four points written down so you can stick to the facts and not be distracted.

1. Define to the employee what acceptable performance at work is and looks like. Make sure you are clear on all aspects of their position. Give examples and ask open-ended questions so you can make sure the employee understands what you are saying. Ask them to give you examples of what acceptable performance in their position would be.

2. Tell the employee what you have observed in their performance that is unacceptable. Be detailed so that they know exactly what they should not be doing. Do not say things like “I don’t like the way you handle customers over the phone.” That statement tells them nothing of their performance. Describe to them what it is about the way they talk to customers that is unacceptable. Remember details, facts and examples.

3. Set goals and establish an action plan for the employee to learn and improve their skills. Let the employee make up the plan with you, this way if they do not accomplish their goals, it was what they set and agreed to be able to accomplish.

4. At the end of the meeting set up a follow-up meeting to check on their progress. By setting the follow-up meeting time the employee knows how much time they have been given to make improvements.

What other ways have you heard of handling inadequate employee performance?

A common complaint among managers, no matter type of business they are in, is lack of employee cooperation to complete their job tasks.

When I hear this from managers I will ask them “if this employee has been hired for a particular job, do they know and understand what that job is?”  If they say “yes” then I ask “how do you manage them?”

I usually will get some pretty interesting looks.  Management styles play a big part in how employees will perform and respond to their managers.

Managers need to remember that their staff are human just like they are.  They need to ask themselves “how would I like to be treated by my manager?”

Successful managers have three secret managerial skills that they practice.  They learn how to delegate effectively to their staff members, which makes a huge difference in how they respond.

1. They delegate tasks without abdicating their responsibility.

2.  They explain the why, but never dictate the how.

3. They give instructions, not orders.

Employees respect and respond to managers who treat them respectfully when delegating tasks.  Employers respect and respond to managers who accept the ultimate responsibility of what they have delegated to their staff to complete.

Do you have other successful delegation tips to share?

“Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” –Dwight D. Eisenhower

Lack of respect in the workplace happens more than we would like to think.  The hope would be that people would demonstrate respect for one another when working together.

Often times the lack of respect shown by employees to each other is due to the fact that they are not shown respect by the management personnel.

Management staff need to lead by example and respect should be at the top of the list.

In the workplace when leadership shows respect in the following ways, it promotes employees to show respect for each other also;

1. Respect employees personal lives and lifestyles.

2. Show respect by actively listening to employees and responding to what they are saying.

3. Show courtesy and respect  during all encounters with employees.

4. Make sure employees are compensated accordingly for the work they do. You show that you respect their value to the company.

5. Let employees know that how their performance is valued by you and the company.

These five points may seem like “no brainers” but it is amazing how many employees say that these points do not happen in their workplace.

Showing lack of respect on all levels in the workplace should be addressed in the company’s progressive discipline policy and adhered to by everyone.  When respect is not shown for one another, the workplace becomes toxic quite fast.

Why is disrespect is allowed in the workplace?

How is disrespect handled in your place of employment?

Session Details

Each Workshop will be split into two sessions running from 10 AM – Noon and 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM.  Morning session registration includes a boxed lunch.  They are being held at the Doubletree by Hilton on Atrium Road in Somerset.

Paul Holland – Developer of the 5 Second Networking and 5 Second Selling Systems – Paul has worked in a broad range of industries such as biotechnology, fluidics, environmental and more. He has designed over 200 products and product improvements. He has authored 14 books. He designed and built his own house, and has been a speaker at both national and local events.

 5 Second Networking

Elevator pitches are not only a waste of time, they can hurt your business.  No one is listening to lengthy pitches, they are thinking about what they have to say – not what you have to say. Crafting a simple powerful 5 Second Introductory Statement instead provides a host of advantages:  You will immediately solicit a “Yes, No or a Question” in the listeners’ mind.  You stand out as unique and memorable.  Experience this dramatically different way to empower all your networking opportunities and learn how to craft your own 5 Second Statement at this unique seminar.

 Growing your business from the ground up