How would you address an employee who is underperforming?
Any insights they can glean from your leadership approach will help them determine your impact on your team. Not only can the poor performance of an employee negatively impact the rest of the team, but how you handle that challenge has the potential to make matters even worse.
Craft your example around the core values of the company, treating others with respect and doing what is right. This requires empathy, integrity, and transparency.
Avoid strict, by the book answers, such as following the formula of 'I give them two verbal warnings, the one write-up, then a second, and if they get a third, they're fired.'
"I would first consider the source, whether their underperformance is something I noticed or something brought to my attention by another. I'd watch from a distance, gather more information, and proceed accordingly. If it did get to the point where I had to intervene, I would give the employee who was struggling the chance to explain. I'd tell them what I observed, and explain to them I gave them the opportunity to see if the issue was recurrent or self-correcting. I'd then ask them for further insights and proceed from there. I'd offer help in any way I could. If no marked improvement happens, that will require further conversation or corrective measures."
"I'm a firm believer in delivering prompt, often, and specific feedback. Whether negative or positive feedback, it should always follow the formula of P.O.S. Otherwise, it's all just hearsay, with no tangible examples, or if delayed, those examples can be warped out of context. Anytime a course correction needs to happen, it should be pointed out before the ship is steered way off course."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
If I am the Manager of the employee and I have evidence that the employee is underperforming, I would talk to them and understand if they are going through any tough times or need any kind of help, Basically, I would help them to the extent I can. If I see no improvement and it impacts my team's performance then that matter definitely needs to be pointed out.
Chad's Feedback
You do well to indicate that you would approach this situation from a position of understanding, with a desire to assist the employee as much as possible. Nice work!
Unlock all 35 American Express questions
Unlock expert responses for questions interviewers ask at this premier financial services company.
Get Started