How to address low performance when they think they're doing fine like a leader, not a manager
It’s Tactical Tuesday!
Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership 101 tools? Start here.
We have 2 new powerful leadership tools coming soon! I’ll share more next week.
(Most Popular Tool!) Introducing the MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders. 52 leadership language shifts to help you stop managing tasks, and start leading people. 40% off launch special extended. Get them here. Use code LEADER10 for an extra 10% off - limited time. These are on pre-order, but you’ll receive a digital version instantly. I’ll send the physical cards out asap! Over 6500 already sold!!
___________________________
The Thought
Did you know…most low performers don’t believe they’re underperforming?
Performance conversations break down when leaders start with judgment instead of understanding.
Leaders don’t begin with correction.
They begin with awareness.
Quote:
“People don’t improve when they feel attacked. They improve when they feel understood.” – Unknown
___________________________
The Tip
Remember to…
1. Start with how they see it
A manager says:
“Your performance isn’t where it needs to be.”
A leader says:
“Before I share anything, I want to understand how you feel things are going.”
Ask directly:
“How do you think you’re performing right now?”
You’re not trying to trap them.
You’re building awareness.
You can’t coach what you haven’t listened to.
2. Diagnose the real issue together
Most performance issues aren’t laziness.
They’re clarity gaps, obstacles, misalignment, or friction.
Instead of:
“You need to do better.”
Try:
“Let’s figure out what’s getting in the way. Is it clarity? Obstacles? Something else?”
Ask:
“What feels hardest about this role right now?”
Most problems aren’t personal.
They’re structural.
And structural problems can be solved.
3. Co-create the comeback
Managers demand improvement.
Leaders design it together.
Say:
“Now that we understand what’s going on, let’s define what improvement looks like - and how I can support you.”
Ask:
“What would a strong comeback look like in the next few weeks?”
“What support from me would help you get there?”
Comebacks are built.
They’re not demanded.
Managers start with judgment.
Leaders start with understanding - then build momentum.
___________________________
The Tool
Short Video: Watch how leaders handle low performance when the person believes they’re doing fine.
Learn how to build awareness, diagnose root issues, and co-create a comeback plan that actually sticks.
Watch the viral video on TikTok
Watch this viral video & read the post on LinkedIn
Or watch other CLA videos here on YouTube
___________________________
Leadership Question of the week…
Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package. Don’t have these? Get instant access here.
❓What part of your role feels like the biggest challenge right now?
❓How have you been working through it?
❓What extra support or tools would make a difference?
___________________________
Activity of the week…
Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.
Check out my Team Meeting Activities Playlist here
Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools.
Spark dialogue with your team.
Ignite engagement.
These tools, talk-tracks, tips, activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!
-> Order your 52 Say THIS, Not THAT Cards w Box. Simple Manager vs. Leader language shifts to start speaking like a leader, not a manager. Pre-order now available for the physical box. Digital version available instantly. Order today and start shifting your language from manager to leader! Limited time launch discount when you order here!
-> Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package - the Ultimate Leader Toolkit with EVERYTHING included. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.
Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again! 52 Say THIS, Not THAT cards, 52 Leadership Skills Program, Leader Playbook, and more. Get everything with the Complete Leader Package.
-> Want just the team meeting activity cards in a box? Order them now - ships immediately. Limited available. Order now!
-> New leader? Grab the NEW LEADER Bundle here and get both the Complete Leader Package and Activity Cards Box, plus a bonus program: 52 Leadership Skills to unlock your leadership potential this year. Use IGNITEIT20 for 20% off as a special thank you. Learn more.
Thank you for leading like a coach out there!
-Dwight
P.S. Want to share this Tactical Tuesday newsletter via text, social, or email? Simply copy and paste this link: https://completeleadershipacademy.com/blogs/tactical-tuesday/how-to-address-low-performance-when-they-think-theyre-doing-fine-like-a-leader-not-a-manager
How can we support your leadership journey?
Thank you for leading out there and making an impact. We’re here to help when the time comes.
MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders | COMPLETE LEADER Package | COMPLETE NEW LEADER Bundle | COMPLETE LEADER Activity Cards | Speaking | Develop Your Leaders (Workshops)
Website - TikTok - YouTube - Instagram
