subdivide and conquer

If you want to help one of your people get on the right track, subdivide and conquer. Consider shrinking the size or duration of the challenge ahead of them. More precisely, draw their attention and apply your own to an increment of the challenge, rather than the whole. Look carefully for any and all early signs of progress or growth as they attack this increment. Note, even celebrate, that growth for the struggler.

This is something elite teachers and coaches do. These are leaders who don’t have the luxury of firing the people they’re responsible for — or even of issuing formulaic warnings (like performance improvement plans). It’s a move worth stealing even if you do have those “luxuries”. Someone who struggled and then found success thanks to your guidance is likely to bring the zeal of a convert to the work that lies ahead. They’ll feel a special and deserved loyalty to you personally and perhaps apply that loyalty to the mission and values you espouse, too.

In other words, anyone who is struggling on your team is a potential culture bearer. They’re a leader-in-waiting. Looking at them that way can unlock proactive and prosocial options for you. All of which are usually way cheaper than firing and hiring anew.

-eric