5 Practical Steps to Handle an Underperformer Without Losing Your Mind
Dealing with an underperformer doesn’t always mean firing them. But ignoring it will cost you — in time, money, and your sanity.
Here are five practical steps I use with my clients when a team member isn’t pulling their weight.
Step 1: Strip Back Complexity
Sometimes underperformance is just overwhelm in disguise. Take away the most confusing or stressful tasks, at least temporarily.
Step 2: Reset Expectations
Sit down one-to-one and spell out what done actually looks like. Don’t assume your version of “finished” is the same as theirs.
Step 3: Build Confidence with Wins
Start small. Give them simpler tasks they can succeed at. Confidence grows with momentum, not pressure.
Step 4: Set Boundaries with CEO Access
Stop the hand-holding loop. They shouldn’t be leaning on you for every decision. Give them guardrails for when and how they can escalate issues.
Step 5: Track with KPIs
Measure independence, follow-through, and consistency. Feedback plus data gives you a clear picture of whether they’re improving.
Key Takeaway
Underperformance isn’t solved with pep talks. It’s solved with structure, clarity, and accountability.
Next Step
If you’re stuck with a team that leans on you for every answer, grab my free SOP Builder. You’ll have your first team-ready system set up in minutes.
About Selina
Selina Johnson is a Fractional COO and Operations Strategist helping high-performing service-based CEOs fix messy team structures, install smart systems, and lead without burnout. With over 20 years in operations, she’s the strategic partner behind the scenes scaling multi-6 and 7-figure businesses across healthcare, wellness, and consulting. When she's not building airtight ops plans, she’s voice-noting CEOs via her on-call Hotline or mapping out team transformations in her Ultimate Delegation System.