The toughest test of a manager is not how they deal with poor performance — it’s how they address mediocrity.
Summary.
The toughest test of a manager is how they address mediocrity. There is no silver bullet to address lackluster performance but there are four leadership practices that can help. First, show the consequences of mediocrity to connect people with the experiences, feelings, and impact of bad performance. Use concrete measures to make poor performance painfully apparent. Then, establish peer accountability so that people feel comfortable challenging one another when they see mediocrity. Lastly, speak up when senior leaders or others in the company encourage mediocre performance. High performance is a norm that needs to be defended regularly and vigilantly.
New!
HBR Learning
Team Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Team Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Build a better team and achieve more of what matters.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Team Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Team Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Build a better team and achieve more of what matters.