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Ep 33 - The Breakthrough Conversation: How to Address Underperformance Without Damaging Relationships
In this episode of Lead the Room, Briony and Lyndsey tackle the most dreaded conversation in leadership - addressing team member underperformance. They reveal how these difficult conversations don't have to destroy relationships but can actually strengthen trust and accelerate team transformation when handled correctly. Through honest personal stories of both failures and successes, they share their proven framework for turning defensive reactions into productive dialogue that drives real performance improvement. They demonstrate how high-performing teams are built through courageous conversations that prioritise both accountability and connection, showing leaders exactly how to have these crucial discussions without damaging the relationships they've worked so hard to build.
Key Takeaways:
- Lead with Observation, Not Interpretation: Instead of saying "you don't seem committed," use specific observable behaviors like "I've noticed you've missed three deadlines." This neutral approach invites collaboration rather than triggering defensiveness, creating space for the team member to share their perspective and work together on solutions.
- Transform Confrontation into Collaboration: Frame underperformance conversations around a shared third point you both care about - like exceptional client experience or team success. This shifts the dynamic from "you versus me" to "us versus the problem," positioning you as partners working toward the same goal while maintaining accountability.
- Clear is Kind - Follow Through Builds High-Performing Teams: Every underperformance conversation must end with specific next steps, genuine offers of support, and scheduled follow-up. This approach demonstrates investment in growth rather than just problem identification, turning awkward one-off conversations into ongoing development opportunities that strengthen team performance.
We've got an amazing bundle to help you empower your team. Check it out here.
Get our FREE 15 minute team transformation guide. Check it out here.
Get our planner to help you Walk the Week. Check it out here.
We've got some amazing resources to help you start transforming your leadership and team today. Check them out here.
Rate and review the podcast and send a screenshot to [email protected] to get your FREE 90 day leadership refresh as a thank you.
Want to learn more with us and keep building your leadership skills to build your amazing team that does amazing things? Check out our leadership challenges here.
Follow us on instagram for daily tips and to send us your feedback on today’s episode
https://www.instagram.com/leadtheroomcoaching/
Check out our blog for show notes and a full transcript
https://www.leadtheroom.co.uk/podcast
We love hearing how you’re putting the podcast into practice as you build your own leadership playbook. Send us an email to [email protected] - we read every one.
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By Lead The RoomIn this episode of Lead the Room, Briony and Lyndsey tackle the most dreaded conversation in leadership - addressing team member underperformance. They reveal how these difficult conversations don't have to destroy relationships but can actually strengthen trust and accelerate team transformation when handled correctly. Through honest personal stories of both failures and successes, they share their proven framework for turning defensive reactions into productive dialogue that drives real performance improvement. They demonstrate how high-performing teams are built through courageous conversations that prioritise both accountability and connection, showing leaders exactly how to have these crucial discussions without damaging the relationships they've worked so hard to build.
Key Takeaways:
- Lead with Observation, Not Interpretation: Instead of saying "you don't seem committed," use specific observable behaviors like "I've noticed you've missed three deadlines." This neutral approach invites collaboration rather than triggering defensiveness, creating space for the team member to share their perspective and work together on solutions.
- Transform Confrontation into Collaboration: Frame underperformance conversations around a shared third point you both care about - like exceptional client experience or team success. This shifts the dynamic from "you versus me" to "us versus the problem," positioning you as partners working toward the same goal while maintaining accountability.
- Clear is Kind - Follow Through Builds High-Performing Teams: Every underperformance conversation must end with specific next steps, genuine offers of support, and scheduled follow-up. This approach demonstrates investment in growth rather than just problem identification, turning awkward one-off conversations into ongoing development opportunities that strengthen team performance.
We've got an amazing bundle to help you empower your team. Check it out here.
Get our FREE 15 minute team transformation guide. Check it out here.
Get our planner to help you Walk the Week. Check it out here.
We've got some amazing resources to help you start transforming your leadership and team today. Check them out here.
Rate and review the podcast and send a screenshot to [email protected] to get your FREE 90 day leadership refresh as a thank you.
Want to learn more with us and keep building your leadership skills to build your amazing team that does amazing things? Check out our leadership challenges here.
Follow us on instagram for daily tips and to send us your feedback on today’s episode
https://www.instagram.com/leadtheroomcoaching/
Check out our blog for show notes and a full transcript
https://www.leadtheroom.co.uk/podcast
We love hearing how you’re putting the podcast into practice as you build your own leadership playbook. Send us an email to [email protected] - we read every one.