Have you ever had to deal with an employee who consistently underperformed? How did you address the situation?

Question Analysis

This is a behavioral interview question designed to assess your leadership and management skills, particularly in handling challenging situations with team members. The interviewer is interested in understanding your ability to identify performance issues, communicate effectively, and implement solutions to improve employee performance. This question also touches on your problem-solving abilities, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help structure your response effectively.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a team leader, I encountered a situation where one of my team members, Alex, was consistently missing deadlines and delivering work that didn't meet our quality standards. This was affecting the entire team's productivity and morale.

Task: My task was to address Alex's underperformance, understand the root cause, and help him improve his work output to meet our team's standards and goals.

Action: I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with Alex to discuss his performance. During our conversation, I ensured it was a supportive environment, focusing on understanding any challenges he was facing. Alex revealed that he was struggling with time management and felt overwhelmed by his workload. Together, we devised a plan that included setting clear priorities, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and checking in weekly to monitor progress. I also provided him with resources for time management training and paired him with a mentor.

Result: Over the next few months, Alex's performance significantly improved. He started meeting deadlines consistently, and the quality of his work increased. This not only boosted team morale but also enhanced team productivity. Alex felt more confident and engaged, which positively impacted his contributions to the team.