If you’ve ever said this as a small business owner, you’re not alone. Employee performance issues in small businesses can feel overwhelming when expectations aren’t being met. The good news? It’s often fixable with the right conversations, clear systems, and a fair accountability process. Let’s walk through three steps to help you get your team back on track.
Start With an Open and Honest Conversation
Before jumping to conclusions, have a conversation. Sometimes the issue is simply a miscommunication. Ask questions like:
“How do you feel about your current responsibilities?”
“Are there any parts of your role that feel unclear?”
“Is there anything preventing you from performing at your best?”
When employees feel safe and heard, they’re more likely to open up.
Evaluate Your Systems: Clarity Wins
Poor performance is often tied to unclear processes. Ask yourself:
Do I have clear SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)?
Do employees know where to find these SOPs?
Are we regularly training on them?
Creating procedures isn’t enough. You have to reinforce them. Studies show it can take multiple exposures for information to stick. If your SOPs are collecting dust in a Google Drive folder no one checks, it might be time for a refresh and a training push.
For more guidance on how to create a Standard Operating Procedure, check out Indeed’s SOP 5 Step Template.
Set Expectations with a Discipline Policy
Accountability matters. Do you have a progressive discipline policy in place? A simple policy helps your team understand that there are steps and standards in place, not surprises.
A solid policy might look like this:
Verbal warning
Written warning
Final warning
Termination
Each step includes a conversation, documentation, and support for improvement. It’s not about punishment, it’s about creating structure.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a people expert to improve performance. Start with clear communication, solid systems, and fair accountability. Remember: employees often want to do a good job, they just need the tools to succeed.
Need help creating SOPs or training your staff? That’s exactly what I help small businesses do. Reach out today to start building a stronger, more productive team.
If you want to learn more about working together, check this page out.
