221: The Worst Ways to Manage Underperforming Employees (and How to Fix Them)

In this episode of World’s Greatest Boss, Jackie Koch chats about one of the most common and challenging issues in leadership: handling underperforming employees. As a boss, it’s tempting to make subtle changes—like cutting hours, posting a new job, or quietly giving tasks to other team members—hoping the problem will resolve itself. Spoiler: It doesn’t work.

Jackie breaks down the four biggest mistakes managers make when dealing with performance issues and provides practical advice for handling these situations the right way. You’ll learn why direct and honest communication is crucial, how to avoid sending mixed messages, and why leading with transparency fosters a culture of trust. Plus, Jackie shares how to document conversations to protect your business while also being fair and kind.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

[1:00] The problem with cutting hours or changing schedules to encourage employees to quit.

[6:45] Why posting a higher-level job and letting current employees apply is unfair and ineffective.

[12:10] How subtly taking away responsibilities can lead to confusion and resentment.

[18:30] The danger of ignoring underperformers in the hope they’ll leave on their own.

[25:00] Bonus mistake: Stopping engagement with an underperformer instead of addressing the problem.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t Change Schedules or Hours: Hoping employees will quit on their own when you change their shifts or workload only creates confusion and frustration, not improvement.
• Avoid Posting the Job and Letting Employees Reapply: It’s unfair and sends a message that you’ve already written them off. Instead, clearly communicate expectations and offer support.
• Stop Quietly Reassigning Tasks: Taking responsibilities away without explanation demotivates both the under performer and the rest of the team.
• Don’t Ignore the Problem: Avoidance only leads to bigger issues later. Have honest, consistent conversations, and document everything.
• Leadership Is Practice: Mistakes happen—what matters is learning from them and being transparent in your leadership journey.

Connect with Jackie:

• Follow Jackie on LinkedIn: Jackie Koch on LinkedIn
• Visit the website: People Principles
• Enjoying the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!