What should a supervisor do when a subordinate repeatedly fails to meet standards?

• A. Use progressive discipline, create improvement plan, provide support, and document.
• B. Fire immediately without warning.
• C. Ignore the issue until it worsens.
• D. Publicly reprimand in front of peers.

Answer: (A)

When performance is repeatedly below standard, apply a structured performance management process that gives the employee a real chance to improve. Start by clearly defining the expectations and the specific gaps. Then implement a formal improvement plan with measurable goals, a reasonable timeline, and the standards by which progress will be judged. Provide the necessary support—coaching, training, resources—to help the subordinate meet those goals. Schedule regular check-ins to review progress and adjust the plan if needed. Document every step—the expectations, the plan, the support provided, the progress notes, and the outcomes—so there’s a clear, factual record. This approach balances accountability with fairness and aligns with policy and due process; it also creates a defensible path if further action becomes necessary later.

Other approaches don’t fit as well: firing immediately without warning bypasses due process and the opportunity to improve; ignoring the issue allows the performance problem to persist and may worsen; publicly reprimanding in front of peers undermines trust and can be unprofessional or even unlawful.