Employees Missing Deadlines?
You have a big deliverable and are dependent on several people to do their part and on time. Yet, you have one team member that is late with their portion of the work. If it’s a one time performance issue, then you can check in to understand what caused the delay. If it’s a chronic issue, you need to handle this issue with the employee immediately.
I worked for a tech company that employed a database expert who was always behind on his deliverable dates. He was really good so the project manager included the anticipated delay into the project plan. When he delivered his portion of the project, the quality and consistency was excellent. Managers work hard to keep high quality performance employees.
What about the employee that doesn’t meet a deadline nor the performance levels expected? “5 Steps to Managing Employees Who Can’t Meet Deadlines” by Patricia S. Lotich on Ezinearticles.com. She addresses all of the important points that are necessary for setting expectations and creating the right environment for high performing employees.
We’ve all had them, the employee who just never seems to meet the timeframes that we give them and managing employees who cannot meet deadlines can be very frustrating and exhausting. Everyone is busy and chasing down an underperforming employee is not a good use of anyone’s time. So what are some things you can do?
During the coaching/counseling process you listen and try to understand what is hindering the employee from meeting their goals. If the information given indicates there are blocks to performance within the organization, then figure out a way to resolve those issues hindering the employee’s performance. Listening helps you figure out the best solution to help the employee.
After setting expectations, coaching, documenting, creating a performance management process or tie pay to performance, an employee who consistently misses deadlines isn’t the right person for the job.
Keep in mind that the employee is responsible for their performance and you are responsible for direction, structure and the work environment.
Be well,
Pat
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