When a Team Member Struggles: How to Offer Effective Help and Support
Fictive Reality
Interactive learning simulations with conversational AI - easily integrated with all learning systems.
You know how in any workplace, team dynamics and individual performance can shift for all sorts of reasons??
Someone who used to be a star performer might suddenly become more confrontational, and that can really affect both their productivity and the team’s overall performance.?
As a leader or manager, it is important to handle these changes with empathy, understanding, and good communication. One of the best ways to do that is by asking powerful questions that help you really get to the root of ‘what’s going on’.
Practice with AI Avatar ‘Temperamental Tammy’?
Let me introduce you to our AI avatar Tammy—a once dedicated, diligent, and reliable employee who has recently become rude and confrontational. How can you, as a manager, approach Tammy in a way that both supports her and encourages her to take ownership of her actions?
The answer lies in asking powerful, open-ended questions that provoke thought, encourage introspection, and empower Tammy to explore and address the root causes of her behaviour.
The Power of Thoughtful Questions
Open-ended questions cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no," and they encourage the respondent to share more detailed and thoughtful responses.
For example, you might start the conversation with:
“I have noticed changes in your performance and interactions with coworkers lately. Could you share with me what's been going on?”
This type of question sets the stage for a deeper discussion, showing Tammy that you’re concerned and willing to listen to her perspective.?
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Once Tammy begins to open up, it’s important to delve deeper into the underlying issues. The aim is to stimulate her critical thinking and encourage self-awareness.
For example:
“Is there something specific that's been triggering these changes in your behaviour?”
This question gently nudges Tammy to consider the root cause of her confrontational attitude.?
Reflective questions are designed to help Tammy think about the impact of her actions on herself and those around her. You might ask:
“How do you think your recent actions have affected your work and relationships with your colleagues?”
This question helps Tammy reflect on her behaviour from a different perspective, potentially leading her to recognize the need for change.
Finally, the goal is to empower Tammy to take ownership of her actions and explore potential solutions.
For example:
“What steps do you think you could take to address the challenges you’re facing and improve your performance?”
This question encourages Tammy to think about actionable solutions, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility.?
Asking powerful questions is an effective way to address and support a confrontational team member like Tammy.
Practise asking powerful questions. It’s not just about solving the challenging situation at hand but also about strengthening your team’s dynamic and creating a more positive work environment.
Want to learn more? Head over to www.fictivereality.com now!