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Sara Lowell

The Five Reasons Your Team Might Not Be Performing





Let’s face it: your team is a hot mess. Meetings are a chaotic blend of confusion and yawns, deadlines are treated as polite suggestions, and collaboration feels more like a game of tug-of-war. But hey, you’re not alone. Many CEOs and leaders find themselves wondering, “Why is my team, well, just OK?” It can be you; it can be them. Who knows but you hired them for a reason.


Lucky for you, I'm here to break down the top five reasons your team isn’t performing and—more importantly—how to turn it around. 


You’ll learn:

 

▶️The importance of setting clear goals 

▶️How to fix communication gaps

▶️Why micromanaging will not build trust 

▶️Why recognition needs to happen 

▶️How to intertwine development opportunities for growth 


Along with learning how to fix these and action steps you can take today to help your team from going from ok to a great success. 



1. Lack of Clear Goals: The Blind Leading the Blind


Ever played a game where no one knows the rules? That’s what it feels like for your team if you haven’t set clear, attainable goals. Without a roadmap, your team is wandering aimlessly, and the only thing they’re achieving is a high score in frustration.


The Fix: Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Not the vague “do better” goals, but clear targets. “Increase sales by 20% in Q3” or “launch the new project by the end of June.” This gives your team something concrete to aim for and a way to measure success.


2. Poor Communication: Lost in Translation



If your team’s idea of communication is cryptic emails and one-word responses, you’ve got a problem. Misunderstandings and lack of information flow can derail even the most brilliant strategy.


The Fix: Foster an open communication culture. Encourage regular check-ins, use collaboration tools (Slack, anyone?), and make it clear that no question is too dumb. A team that communicates well is a team that thrives. And remember, clarity is king—don’t assume everyone gets what you’re saying; spell it out.


3. Micromanagement: The Trust Deficit


If you’re hovering over your team’s shoulders, nitpicking every move, congratulations—you’ve achieved the perfect recipe for resentment and underperformance.


Micromanagement kills creativity and initiative faster than you can say “control freak.”


The Fix: Step back and trust your team. Delegate tasks and let them own their responsibilities. Give feedback, yes, but resist the urge to control every detail. Your team needs room to breathe and grow. Remember, you hired them for a reason—let them prove why.


4. Lack of Recognition: The Thankless Grind


Nothing demotivates like feeling unappreciated. If your team’s hard work goes unnoticed, their engagement and productivity will nosedive. People want to feel valued, not like cogs in a machine.


The Fix: Recognize and reward achievements, big or small. A simple “great job” or a shout-out in a meeting can work wonders. For major wins, consider more substantial rewards—a bonus, a day off, or even just a heartfelt thank-you note. Recognition fuels motivation.


5. No Development Opportunities: The Stagnation Station


If your team members don’t see a path for growth, they’ll start looking for the exit. No one wants to be stuck in a dead-end job with no opportunities to learn and advance.


The Fix: Invest in your team’s development. Provide training sessions, workshops, and opportunities for career advancement. Encourage continuous learning and make it clear that you’re invested in their professional growth. A team that’s growing is a team that’s going places.


Turning It Around: Your Action Plan


Now that you’ve identified the culprits behind your team’s struggles, it’s time to take action. Here’s a quick recap of your game plan:


  1. Set Clear Goals: Define and communicate specific, measurable objectives.

  2. Improve Communication: Foster an environment of open, clear communication.

  3. Stop Micromanaging: Trust your team and delegate responsibilities.

  4. Recognize Efforts: Show appreciation for hard work and achievements.

  5. Provide Development Opportunities: Invest in your team’s growth.


By addressing these issues head-on, you’ll not only boost your team’s performance but also create a happier, more engaged workplace. And who knows, you might even start to enjoy those meetings. Well, one can dream, right?


Ready to build, grow and sustain your teams. Let's get on call ASAP. Click here to get started! 


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