Sometimes we have employees at our companies that have meltdowns in the middle of their workdays. They’ve been good employees but for some reason, something clicks in their heads and they stop doing what they’re supposed to do. Maybe their work isn’t par anymore, or they don’t seem as motivated as they used to be. When you can’t really tolerate the level of quality anymore and it’s time to talk to your employee, it can be difficult to approach them for a number of reasons. Here are a couple of ways you can broach the subject with your employee so everyone can get back on track.
Don’t Let it Get Personal
If this employee has worked with you for an extensive amount of time, you’ve probably formed a sort of friendship with them. It’s very important to make sure that this friendship doesn’t get in the way of what you have to talk to your employee about. Don’t talk about anything opinion related, and don’t talk to the employee like they’re a good friend. Stick to facts and the proof of those facts. You’ll both suffer less in the long run if you consider your words carefully.
Set Expectations Immediately
Once you’ve talked to your employee, it’s time to set expectations. Let them know you understand that they haven’t been feeling their best lately, but it’s still important to get back on track to success. Set their goals in simple senses – say, ask them to proofread all of their work before submitting it – and make sure they understand what you want from them. Again, make sure you stick to the facts. Don’t use any emotional words whatsoever to ensure no one’s feelings get hurt in the process of your review. Make sure the timeframe you set for improvement is both reasonable and makes sense for your business.