Five ways to deal with laggards

Companies are increasingly becoming less tolerant towards underperformers . Leaders should take regular corrective measures on them as right mentoring can help in turning them around, says Mahima Puri



Give regular feedback

“Give constant constructive feedback in a non-threatening way,” says P Dwarakanath, director-group human capital, Max India. “Tell him what he has done well and where he needs to improve,” he adds.



Guide and counsel

“Managers should be patient when dealing with underperformers,” says Divakar Kaza, president-HR , Lupin. Dwarakanath adds: “Doing a bit of hand-holding is crucial.”



Train to enhance skills

An underperformer may lack certain skill set, and the organisation could look at job rotation and upgrading the skills. It could also look at giving the employee a lighter task if he feels pressurised in his current role.



Set Time-frame

The employee should then be given a timeframe to improve. IT can vary from company to company, but 3-6 months is considered preferable.



Prepare exit strategy

If nothing works, the employee will have to be asked to leave. "Managers should become more firm with regards to every review," says Rajendra Ghag, HDFC Life HR head.