PLUS MINUS PLUS method: Address Employee Issues...NOW.

In a series of conversations with a mentor, I learned a VALUABLE way to handle tough conversations with direct reports.  You’ve probably heard it before.  

Plus. Minus. Plus.  

Pull your employee aside immediately and make it quick- it doesn’t need to be drawn out.  Just remember, everyday you don't address an issue, it grows...like a weed...until it gets out of control.

Start with PLUS, something positive.  ‘Sally, I want to let you know you’re doing an excellent job and you are valuable to this team.’ …And the MINUS. ‘Sally, I noticed that you’re not paying enough attention to detail in your work and in your specific position, we need detail.’ STOP- give an example.  Here comes the ending PLUS. ‘I’m really confident in you. You’re outstanding and I’m here to help.’  Then welcome any thoughts and when they give their thoughts, LISTEN but don’t change what you said if it’s really the truth…the end.  Make it quick too.  These conversations can easily get off track quickly.

Seldom do we ever appreciate the bitter pill of truth that moment, but after it settles, we appreciate it more.  We respect people who tell us the truth. 

As a leader, you’ve got to be one of those people- you’ve got to give people the truth.  Try it!

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