Your team member keeps missing deadlines, eroding trust. How will you regain their reliability?

I start by having a one-on-one conversation to understand why deadlines are being missed—whether it’s due to workload, lack of clarity, or personal challenges. For instance, a team member was consistently late on reports. I discovered they were overwhelmed with tasks. We re-prioritized their workload, breaking larger tasks into smaller milestones with clearer deadlines. I also encouraged them to proactively communicate if they faced delays. Next, I reinforced accountability by setting up regular check-ins and tracking progress collaboratively. By offering support without micromanaging and establishing transparent expectations, their reliability improved, and trust was rebuilt over time.

To help a team member who keeps missing deadlines and is eroding trust, start by having an open and honest conversation with them. Ask if there are specific challenges they’re facing that are causing these delays. It’s important to listen to their side without judgment. Next, set clear expectations about deadlines and the importance of meeting them for the team’s success. Offer support by helping them prioritize their tasks or providing additional resources if needed. Regular check-ins can also be beneficial to keep them on track and accountable. Finally, acknowledge their efforts when they do meet deadlines. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to stay reliable and rebuild trust within the team.

Understand why they are missing deadlines. Is it due to a lack of clarity, time management issues, or personal challenges? Once you've identified the root cause, work together to create a plan. Break down tasks into manageable steps, set clear expectations, and establish deadlines that are both realistic and challenging. Regularly check in with the team member to monitor their progress. These follow-ups can be brief but are essential in ensuring they stay on track. Recognizing small wins along the way can motivate the team member to stay consistent.

One thing I find helpful when a team member consistently misses deadlines is to start with an open, non-confrontational conversation to understand the underlying reasons. They may be facing obstacles such as workload, unclear expectations, or personal challenges. Once the issue is identified, I work with them to set realistic goals and break tasks into smaller, more manageable milestones with clear deadlines. I also establish regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide support where needed.

Communication is key. When you lack communication, or you're communicating on different signals, adjustments are to be made. Every person can internalize feedback differently. Adjust yourself.