It’s stressful confronting employees and dealing with poor performers, especially longtime employees who may suddenly question why after so many years you are now “picking” on them. However, not doing so will create larger problems.
When you send a nonverbal message to other workers that your expectations are not very high, outstanding workers who typically perform well with little supervision can succumb to a non-verbal message that you will accept mediocrity. As a result, they may not perform at their peak level because you apparently don’t care.
Your best workers may have high standards or may work for anticipated future rewards, but they naturally respond to the standards and expectations that the organization sets. You undermine this productivity dynamic by letting some workers just get by.
Not expecting the best of your employees will engender a work unit characterized by malaise and morale problems. Consult with the EAP to help you plan an effective approach.
Categories: Managers
The Hub Digest 
I really enjoyed this blog post. I believe that this post accurately depicted a scenario that I have personally witnessed over the years throughout my employment in different areas. I would like to thank the individual who wrote this blog and I hope all managers read this and understand how “low expectations” and “non-verbal messages” that show that they accept mediocrity can be perceived by other employees.