Give Me A Reason To Change

I’m having a problem with one of my team members completing assignments he is given. I give him something to complete and it doesn’t get done. I always end up taking the task back and doing it myself. Help! I’m overloaded and don’t have time for non-performing team members.

The Team Doc Says…

There’s no reason for this team member to complete his tasks because you are getting them done for him. Why should he change his behavior when it’s working just fine for him?

The first thing you need to do is sit down with this team member and set up some new behavior ground rules. Talk about how you’ve made the mistake in the past of taking projects back when you were frustrated, rather than offering help. Discuss what will be different for future assignments.When a project is assigned, you and the team member will sit down and discuss the scope, boundaries and due date.On regular intervals during the term of the project you and the team member will have a face-to-face discussion concerning any issues that are getting in the way of project completion. You will discuss how you can help without taking away his responsibility.If there are critical issues that arise between face-to-face meetings, the team member will contact you right away.Remember to assure this team member that this is about his success and you will do what you can to enable that success, but you will not be taking over — and finishing — any of his future projects.