Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship 1850: What to Do When Employees Don't Meet Expectations AND 5 Reasons Why We Need to Develop Leaders by Amber Waugaman
Oct 24, 2025
Explore effective strategies for addressing employee underperformance with compassion and clear communication. Discover the importance of proactive leadership and the need to model accountability in the workplace. Learn how developing leaders is crucial for long-term success and adaptability, contributing to enhanced profitability and a thriving organizational culture. Challenge the myth that leadership is innate by understanding that it can be cultivated, ensuring companies stay competitive in rapidly changing environments.
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Address Performance Issues Immediately
- Schedule a one-on-one promptly to understand missed expectations and ask for the employee's point of view.
- Collaboratively create an action plan, then hold the employee accountable with consistent feedback and formal PIPs if needed.
Start With Positive Intent
- Enter conversations assuming positive intent to build trust and avoid starting from distrust.
- Assuming negative intent projects distrust and undermines relationship-building with employees.
Clarify Impact And Model Accountability
- Clearly communicate expectations and explain how missed actions impact teammates and outcomes.
- Model accountability yourself and avoid flaky behavior so your team knows standards are real.