5 Ways to Inspire an Under performer

Under performers bring everyone else down.  You’re only as effective as your weakest link. In fact, a staggering 87% of people want to quit because of low performers!

Here are 5 tips on how to get your employees re-engaged!

1. Identify their blockers.  Ask them what is in their way of being a fantastic worker.
2. Take responsibility.  Ask what you as their direct supervisor or colleague can do to help.  Don’t put all the blame on them.  Perhaps they have trouble staying on track.  Maybe you need to keep on top of the deadlines rather than leaving it on their shoulders.
3. Figure out how they work best.  Not everyone works in the same way.  Some people are self motivators, and others need a bit more hand holding and inspiration.  Get to know them as people and find out how they work.  Also, try to put yourself in their shoes.
4. Give ongoing constructive feedback. This study proves that people want to know how they can improve.  Don’t wait for their quarterly or yearly review to let them know how they’re doing.  This causes stress and anxiety and it will most likely be too little too late to fix the problems in the way they’re working.  Let them know where they stand and how to improve in a collaborative, encouraging, ongoing basis.
5. Lead by example.  Does your employee see you leaving the office as soon as the clock hits 5?  Do you have Facebook open all day, chatting with friends?  Share your goals, actions and goals with your colleagues and make sure you’re on track and succeeding so they have something to aspire to.

Last but not least, reinforce good behaviors.  Recognize their achievements with badges.  Have you given a Rypple badge to someone this week? Take a few minutes to say thank you to someone you work with.  It goes a long way.

Also check out this great post by Stephen Miles on Handling Underperformance.