The Mosty Difficult Job Of Being a Leader

Firing an underperforming team member is a battle we all struggle with. In this session, we learn key phrases we can use when faced with this dilemma. We also hear about situations and past experiences from our hosts and speakers.

We’ve all been in that position where we’ve created a solid bond with each team member. However, sometimes we find that even months down the line, one member is underperforming. What do we do about this? Do we fire them? And how do we go about firing someone we’ve grown to care about?

What Would a Leader Do?

As a leader, you need to first try to understand why their performance has changed. It could be for many reasons, including changes in your company structure, change in leadership, or exhaustion.

A great way to find out why someone has been underperforming is to simply ask questions. By asking questions, you can get to the bottom of each problem and find out about what their struggle is.

There are two types of questions you may want to ask:

1. The questions regarding their health and their own well-being,

2. The questions regarding your company’s processes to help them thrive.
   

‘How are you doing?’ ‘How are you feeling?’ ‘What’s going on?’ are questions with very different answers and goals compared to ‘Is there anything I can do to help you achieve this goal?’ ‘Do you understand how to do this?’

Just make sure you don’t come in accusatory. Any human being could react badly to an accusation, especially when they have put so much work into something.

Reaching out with an understanding and empathic approach will lead you to answers. Accusations will lead you to more problems.

Still, if it comes to a point where letting them go is the only way, then you have no option but to make that decision and take action. It will be tough. However, it will benefit you as a leader and your company’s future. It may complicate things for them in their personal lives, but you have to prioritize the well-being of the team and your company. Use positive and kind feedback, and maybe provide guidance on their next steps. Sometimes, it’s about finding the right fit. Read more here: https://startup.club/the-hardest-part-about-being-a-leader/