Your new staff member is falling short of expectations. How will you help them succeed?

If a member of the staff is falling short of the mark, I will first discuss the situation openly with them. After that I will help them design a plan that can help them succeed. Along the way I will coach them in using a skill or ability that they excel in to get them focused on the aspects of the job that they might like. During this time I will provide them with unfailing support.

This sounds very helpful. The management needs to create a culture which leads to help and cooperation to the new joiners by the experienced staff.

Identify the Issues: First, pinpoint specific areas where the staff member is falling short. Is it performance-related, such as quality of work or productivity? Or is it related to fitting into the team culture or understanding job responsibilities? Provide Clear Feedback: Schedule a private meeting to discuss your observations and provide constructive feedback. Be specific about what they are doing well and where improvements are needed. Use examples to illustrate your points. Understand Their Perspective: Listen actively to their perspective. Understand any challenges they are facing, whether it’s lack of training, unclear expectations, or personal issues affecting their performance.

Set Clear Expectations: Clarify expectations moving forward. Clearly outline what success looks like in their role, including specific goals, milestones, and timelines. Ensure they understand their responsibilities and how their performance will be evaluated. Offer Support and Resources: Determine what support the staff member needs to improve. This could include additional training, mentoring, resources (like tools or software), or adjusting workload priorities. Provide access to relevant learning materials or courses if necessary. Create a Development Plan: Collaboratively create a development plan that outlines actionable steps to address areas of improvement. Set achievable goals and establish regular check-ins to monitor progress.

Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where the staff member feels comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification. Encourage them to communicate any challenges or roadblocks they encounter along the way.

Provide Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge and celebrate small improvements and successes. Positive reinforcement can boost motivation and morale, encouraging continued growth and effort. Monitor Progress and Adjust: Regularly assess the staff member’s progress against the development plan. Adjust strategies or goals as needed based on their performance and feedback received. Evaluate and Recognize Improvement: Once the staff member shows significant improvement, acknowledge their efforts and recognize their progress. Reinforce positive behavior and continue to support their ongoing development.