Everyone has an employee that falls off the well-beaten path of success. They could be stressed, burnt-out, or having problems at home. Whatever the reason, they don’t perform like they used to, and you find yourself having to make a decision. Obviously, trying to bring them back into your company as a successful team member is preferable to the alternative. Here are a couple of ways that can help you refocus your employee and hopefully inspire them to do their best once again.
Go for a Walk
Sometimes when you want an employee to know you’re being serious, you have to take them out of their comfort zone. Sometimes that means you have to leave your office to get an honest response out of your employee. Take a hike to a local coffee shop or just take a nice jog around your office building. Maybe there’s a local park you can go to. Whatever your “out of office” experience is, make sure it’s a relaxing place. Talk to your employee about what’s going on, and give them examples of what you’re talking about. Listen to what they have to say as well.
Don’t Make it Personal
The truth of the matter is that it doesn’t matter how much you like an employee, or how much they like you. Being friends shouldn’t interfere with your ability to say what’s on your mind. Make sure you keep your distance while you’re talking to them and keep it professional. Always back up your claims with evidence from your observations. This will help the employee feel like they’re not being attacked and it’s a conversation that has nothing to do with them personally, but everything to do with their work habits.
