Eliminate this term from your workplace language immediately

International speaker and leadership expert Simon Sinek recently spoke at the 2023 World Business Forum and shared his disapproval of the term “underperformer.” He advised against using the term, stating that most people’s definition of an underperformer is too broad. According to Sinek, when someone is seen as an underperformer, it often becomes difficult for them to shake off that label. This can be damaging to their confidence and ultimately impact their performance.

Sinek’s advice for addressing underperformance in the workplace is to offer grace and positive reinforcement rather than focusing solely on the negatives. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating employees’ strengths, and offering coaching and support to help them improve. Sinek also stressed that termination should only be considered if an employee proves to be uncoachable.

The concept of positive reinforcement is not new, with research showing that employees who feel recognized and appreciated perform better at work. Sinek’s insights offer a fresh perspective on how to address underperformance in the workplace and promote a healthier and more supportive work environment for all employees.