#management #human-management #performance-management #psychology

Idea

People are doing the best they can given their current context. If you think they are not then you don't understand their context.

Try to understand why they're not doing their best, does something hinders to their motivation? Are they stressed^[1]? Do they have everything they need? Do they have other priorities?

Links

• Motivation is an explanation of why people don't perform well.

• Psychological safety - can be a reason why people don't perform well.

• Use Coaching to understand the person's context.

References

• [[Becoming a Technical Leader]], Gerald Weinberg:

“They’re all doing the best they can, under the circumstances. If I don’t think they are doing the best they can, then I don’t understand the circumstances.”

~ Becoming a Technical Leader, Gerald Weinberg

• The 4 disciplines of execution mentions that clocking in and out without purpose is disheartening.

  Deep down, everyone wants to win. Everyone wants to contribute to goals that really matter. It's so disheartening to push and push day in and day out and wonder if you're making a difference.

  Stephen Covery Jr, The 4 disciplines of execution.

• [1]: Wikipedia / Occupational stress is describing stress originating from work, and notably

  • a misalignment of skills/expectations and tasks,
  • perceived lack of support from colleagues
  • little control over work process
  • effort required from job doesn't align with rewards.