“Why didn’t they do what I asked?” you mutter to yourself as you walk away from yet another frustrating discussion. It is difficult to ensure that staff follow through on what we need them to do. This is a problem that has plagued management for years…but there are some answers!
Communication: Making yourself clear is the foundation…and not just about the specifics of the task, but also about the deeper expectations. This is less about what we said, and more about what the other person hears!
Once you are sure that good communication has occurred, the next step is to clarify whether the issue is a Skill deficiency or a Motivation issue.
Skill Deficiency: Has the person been effectively trained (not just “shown” once what to do), have they been monitored and have they been kept current?
Motivation issue: This takes a little more consideration. This looks at questions of reward, punishment, significance and roadblocks to performance. Identifying the underlying motivational issue can not only free up the performance in this particular circumstance, but can open the way for the staff member to become a great team player who contributes well beyond expectations.
What do you do when your staff don’t “do what you ask”?
Contact me and we can talk about specific coaching and mentoring options for your organisation.