What Great Leaders Do When Someone on the Team Isn’t Pulling Their Weight
Every leader faces it eventually: that uncomfortable moment when you realize someone on your team isn’t delivering like they should. Deadlines slip. Responsibilities get passed along. The rest of the team starts picking up the slack.
The temptation? To either avoid the conflict or swoop in and fix it yourself.
The problem? Both choices can hurt your credibility, your culture, and your results.
So — what should you do instead?
Step 1: Check Your Assumptions
Before you step in, ask yourself: Do I have the full picture?
Performance dips can be rooted in unclear expectations, competing priorities, burnout, personal struggles, or even a lack of the right resources.
A quick judgment can damage trust, while curiosity can open the door to solutions.
Step 2: Have the Courageous Conversation
Address it early and directly. Don’t let resentment — yours or the team’s — fester.
Be specific: point to observable actions or missed deliverables.
Be clear: explain the impact on the team and the organization.
Be collaborative: ask for their perspective and listen.
Step 3: Reconnect Them to the “Why”
Sometimes, underperformance is less about skill and more about engagement.
Remind them of the mission, their unique contribution, and how their work connects to the bigger picture.
People work harder when they know their effort matters.
Step 4: Clarify Expectations & Support
Outline exactly what needs to change, by when, and how success will be measured.
Ask: What do you need from me to deliver on this?
A strong leader provides both accountability and support — it’s not one or the other.
Step 5: Follow Through — Consistently
Check in regularly. Praise improvements quickly. If progress stalls, be prepared to make the tough call.
Your job as a leader is to protect the culture and the team’s ability to perform at its best.
Bottom line:
Avoiding the issue erodes trust. Addressing it directly — with empathy, clarity, and accountability — strengthens it. Great leaders know that the conversations you don’t want to have are often the ones that matter most.
If you’re navigating a challenging team dynamic right now, I can help you lead through it without damaging morale.
📩 Facing a challenge with someone on your team? Message me now to set up our FREE 20-minute Connection Call for customized tips and coaching to help you navigate this situation to lead your people to reach their goals!
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