How to Fix an Underperforming Team Without Killing Morale

Every workplace can have moments when a team isn’t performing at its best. This can be frustrating for everyone involved, from managers to team members. 

When performance dips, upper management often feels the need to resort to layoffs. However, there are more effective solutions that can turn things around while keeping team morale high. Let’s explore how you can fix an underperforming team without sacrificing team morale.

Diagnose the Root Cause Before Resorting to Layoffs

Rushed and emotional decision-making is an all too common mistake leaders make when they notice underperformance. 

Before making any decisions, it’s important to identify why the team is underperforming. Layoffs should be a last resort, not the first solution. Here are some helpful steps to diagnose the problem:

• Hold individual or group meetings to gather input from team members.
  • Your team can provide valuable insights into their challenges and what’s holding them back. Is there confusion? A lack of training? Miscommunication? Instead of assuming you need new people, get to the bottom of what’s causing your current team to fall short.
• Check if the team is overwhelmed with tasks or if they lack clarity about their responsibilities.
  • This is very common, and typically indicates a problem in leadership. Imagine laying off team members, only to investigate more and find out the true problem lies in leadership. This is why finding the root cause is so important.
• Encourage employees to share any suggestions or issues they face. 
  • As management, you don’t get a first-hand look at what it’s like for your team members. The only way you can know what their experience is like is by communicating with them. They can reveal obstacles that you weren't aware of. 
    

Provide Coaching and Development, Not Just Criticism

When a team is underperforming, criticism may seem justified. However, focusing solely on what is going wrong will negatively affect morale. Instead, implement a coaching approach that emphasizes development. Here’s how to do it:

1. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Work with team members to recognize their strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Offer Constructive Feedback: Provide feedback that is specific and focused on behavior, not personal traits. Suggest improvements rather than just pointing out mistakes.
3. Set Up One-on-One Coaching: Regular coaching sessions can help address individual challenges. It builds trust and shows employees that you care about their growth.

Have a Corporate Education Partner Upskill & Reskill Your Existing Team

Another effective way to enhance team performance is partnering with a corporate education provider like Pathways Education. Our specialized professional development services are especially valuable for companies who don’t have the capacity to retrain and upskill team members internally.

Upskilling and reskilling with Pathways can benefit your team with:

1. Personalized, 1-on-1 learning programs that address the specific needs, strengths, and weaknesses of each team member. 
2. Training that focuses on the skills that are in demand in the industry, preparing employees, and your business, for future challenges.
3. Flexible learning options that offer remote and in-person courses, allowing team members to learn at their own pace.

Book a free consultation with Pathways Education to learn more!

Set Clear Goals and Expectations

Unclear objectives can lead to frustration and disengagement. Establishing clear goals fosters a sense of purpose, helping employees understand their role in the bigger picture. It improves not just understanding, but also retention and engagement.

Follow these steps to set effective goals:

1. Define SMART Goals: Ensure goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This makes it easier for team members to understand what is expected of them.
2. Discuss Goals Together: Involve the team in goal-setting discussions. This inclusion promotes ownership and accountability.
3. Regular Progress Check-Ins: Schedule frequent meetings to review goals and assess progress. This transparency keeps everyone on track and allows for adjustments as needed.

Align Team Strengths With Tasks

To maximize productivity, it’s essential to align team members' strengths with their tasks. When individuals work in areas where they excel, motivation and efficiency is almost automatic. 

Here’s how to align strengths with tasks:

• Conduct Skills Assessments: Identify the unique skills and talents of each team member through assessments or discussions.
• Match Tasks to Talents: Assign roles and responsibilities based on individual strengths. This can lead to better results and increased job satisfaction.
• Encourage Collaboration: Promote teamwork by pairing employees with complementary skills to tackle projects together. This not only enhances performance but also fosters camaraderie.