In most professional teams, you’ll find varying levels of experience, ranging from entry-level employees to seasoned experts. While this diversity typically enriches the team dynamic, occasionally performance challenges may arise. These situations can emerge when team members are adapting to new technologies, have been promoted prematurely, or are experiencing personal difficulties.
This article focuses on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect: communication with the team during performance challenges.
Avoid Creating Collective Responsibility
When performance issues aren’t stemming from team decisions, it’s essential to:
- Proactively address timeline adjustments, resource allocation, or overtime needs when individual performance affects project delivery
- Plan ahead and provide clear direction rather than leaving the team to resolve challenges independently
- Shield the team from unwarranted blame, especially when they’ve raised concerns early
Maintain Active Leadership Presence
Leaders must:
- Take ownership of client communications when necessary
- Actively collaborate with the team to find solutions
- Address timeline and budget implications promptly—it’s more effective to announce a one-month delay mid-project than to pursue unrealistic deadlines
Foster Clear Communication Channels
Effective leadership requires:
- Keeping the team informed about action plans and progress
- Creating a safe environment for open discussions and questions
- Regularly assessing whether the team has adequate resources, time, and skills to complete projects successfully
Create a Collaborative Problem-Solving Environment
To build resilience:
- Encourage and facilitate peer support, providing structured opportunities for collaboration
- Moderate discussions when necessary to maintain productivity
- Establish realistic expectations among team members
- Ensure clarity about individual roles and responsibilities
Remember: Strong leadership during performance challenges isn’t just about addressing the immediate issue—it’s about maintaining team cohesion and creating an environment where everyone can succeed.