Correcting Team Members: Building Stronger Teams Through Leadership
Almost every leader will face a decision with as to whether an existing team member is a good fit for your organization. This decision is often difficult and one that we do not make lightly. When identifying gaps in ability or performance it is important to consider it from a number of perspectives before letting the person go.
Understanding Your Motivation When Correcting Team Members
Even before taking the first step to correct performance, it’s important to check your motivation. Are you correcting their behavior out of frustration, or because you want them to succeed? Correcting out of frustration is about our needs and preferences. Yes, we have to consider the impact of their actions, but leadership requires us to consider the needs of our entire team. Empowering and equipping their success is critical.
Steps for Correcting Team Members Through a Thoughtful Process
There are several steps in a corrective process that are critical:
1. Identify the Root Cause Behind Performance Issues
Consider what is actually creating the issue, which often requires probing and listening to the team member’s perspective. Getting to the root cause is important so you don’t lose time talking about symptoms versus the actual issue.
2. Determine If Improvement Is Possible Through Training and Coaching
Next consider whether the area of challenge is trainable. Can you provide training or coaching to assist the person in strengthening this area enough to succeed?
3. Evaluate Alignment With Organizational Mission and Values
Is whether the area needing correction is at odds with your organization’s mission and values? For example, if they are struggling with being accountable, or have demonstrated a lack of integrity, that could have an impact on your team’s culture and ability to align well with your objectives.
4. Consider Your Ability to Support Long Term Change
Further, consider your ability and capacity to bring about change. If the issue to be corrected is one that will take months or even a year to change, do you have the resources and flexibility to work through the process with them?
How Leadership Approach Impacts Correcting Team Members
How we approach correction of team members is critical. Being open, and clear about the issues and expectations will help ensure the success of our team member. Being vague or not addressing issues allows problems to escalate. Teams grow in strength and have even greater success when leaders integrate correction as a regular part of their interaction.
