(Quick Read) How to Handle Underperforming Teams Using the Golden AGE Framework
- TLTurner Group Marketing
- Dec 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Underperforming teams are frustrating, aren’t they? Deadlines get missed, morale dips, and projects stall. But here’s the thing: this didn’t happen overnight. Underperformance builds over time, often unnoticed—until it’s a big problem.
The good news? It’s fixable. The Golden AGE Framework can help you turn underperformance into progress. Let’s dive into how you can make that happen.
Why Teams Underperform (and How to Fix It)
1. Unclear Expectations
Let’s be real—if your team doesn’t know what success looks like, how can they achieve it? Many businesses fail to define clear performance standards, leaving team members to guess.
How to Fix It:
Define success for every role with measurable outcomes (think KPIs or scorecards).
Communicate these expectations clearly and consistently—not just during onboarding but throughout their tenure.
Use tools like dashboards to make progress visible.
2. Sink-or-Swim Onboarding
Throwing new hires into the deep end doesn’t set them up for success. Even experienced professionals need guidance to understand your company’s unique culture and processes.
How to Fix It:
Develop 30-, 45-, and 60-day onboarding plans tailored to your firm’s needs.
Pair new hires with mentors who can guide them through the first 90 days.
Gather feedback regularly to refine and improve your onboarding process.
What Is the Golden AGE Framework?
The Golden AGE Framework simplifies performance management by categorizing effort into three clear tiers:
Average: Meeting basic expectations.
Good: Delivering above-average results.
Excellent: Exceeding expectations with exceptional outcomes.
Here’s an example for sales teams:
Average: Meets minimum sales targets.
Good: Exceeds targets by 10%.
Excellent: Builds strong client relationships and surpasses targets by 20%.
This framework gives your team clarity about where they stand—and how they can level up.
How Leaders Can Turn Performance Around
1. Set Clear Standards
Your team needs to know the rules of the game. Outline what “Average,” “Good,” and “Excellent” look like for each role and revisit these regularly during check-ins.
2. Conduct Monthly Check-InsEncourage your team to self-assess their performance before reviews. This fosters accountability and makes conversations more productive.
Provide a simple self-assessment template.
Use one-on-one meetings to align on ratings and plan actionable next steps.
3. Give Feedback That Sticks
Feedback isn’t just about pointing out what’s wrong—it’s about guiding your team to improve. Start with their perspective, align it with yours, and collaborate on solutions.
Leadership Lessons You Can Apply Right Now
Onboarding Matters: Tailored plans help new hires hit the ground running.
Write It Down: Documenting expectations keeps everyone aligned.
Act Early: Addressing issues sooner builds trust and prevents problems from escalating.
Take the Next Step
Underperformance is more than a challenge—it’s an opportunity to grow your team and your leadership skills. The Golden AGE Framework can help you turn things around with clarity, accountability, and empathy.
Did you find this helpful?
Would you like more on this topic? Here’s the FULL BLOG POST.
Ready to turn your team into top performers? Book a discovery call with us, and let’s transform your team together.
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