What do you do if your team members are unclear about their tasks?

If team members are unclear about their tasks, it's important to address the issue promptly by clarifying expectations, providing resources, encouraging open communication, breaking down tasks into manageable steps, offering support, and monitoring progress. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your team members have a clear understanding of their tasks and are able to work effectively towards achieving their goals.

One thing I have learned is setting the expectations first thing, laying out each detail - then having them tell you the expectations. After which ask them what it means in their own words, that’s checking for understanding.

I think identifying knowledge gaps is key to enhancing team performance. For instance, if sales reps struggle with new product features, organizing specialized training sessions can boost their confidence and sales effectiveness. This tailored approach ensures teams are equipped to excel in their roles.

If necessary, organize training sessions to provide team members with the necessary knowledge, skills, or tools required for their tasks. Encourage knowledge sharing among team members, particularly those who have experience with similar tasks. Consider assigning mentors or subject matter experts to guide and support team members with complex or unfamiliar tasks.

Open communication is the key to keeping workplace strategies in place and momentum. Each organisation/department should create its SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) every new team member must be run through them while onboarding. Even, each existing team member should have a copy of it to refer if needed. Team managers should have a 15-minute session once a month where they take the entire team through concerned SOPs. There can be brainstorming sessions; and/or edits as necessary. We have been using this method for quite some time now and we found that operations remain in line and every team member is clear on the expectations from them.

Encourage an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their uncertainties or asking questions. Regularly check in with team members to identify any areas of confusion or ambiguity. Foster open discussions and active listening to understand the root causes of their lack of clarity.

Clearly define the roles, responsibilities, and accountability for each task. Set realistic timelines and milestones for task completion, considering dependencies and potential roadblocks. Ensure that team members understand the priority and importance of their tasks in relation to the overall project or goals.

The Role and responsibilities must be clarified. Proper training should be provided to the team member with paitence. It also depends what is the education And experience of the person, if the previous company was a small, medium or a big sized company. The training should start from basic level and let them learn from their mistakes.

Teach your team what the expectation is - show them how to achieve said expectations - then have them voice and show it back. If they fall off course - realign set the expectations again, have a follow up soon after. The biggest thing inspect what’s expected. Some task take guidance and as leaders of teams we have to be there to show them the way.