When people miss the mark, screw up, under perform or just seem to not get it, it’s good to keep in mind:
They may be looking at a different target – My idea of “clean” is probably not the same as your idea of “clean.”
It may be the system – There may be things outside of their control that introduces variation in results, i.e. change in wind speed, different equipment, poor communication…
It could be the consequences – Very often the best employees get “stuck” doing what no one else will and their reward for doing their best is actually a punishment.
Solutions?
Start at home first – It’s our job as leaders to do everything we can to help them do the best job they can. Make sure you are doing that and…
- Get on the same page
- Improve the system
- Focus on and reward the right behaviors
- Be a people builder!