DiBona & Associates
DiBona & Associates

The X-Factor in Project Management: 3 Skills You Can't Ignore

06.07.23 01:00 PM By Noel DiBona

Construction Crew

In today's dynamic business landscape, many organizations face the challenge of underperforming managers or critical teams that are not meeting expectations. Recognizing the significance of this issue, we have developed expertise in addressing such situations and helping organizations thrive by removing communication barriers and improving work execution.


When a leader is forced to deal with an underperforming team or individual, they often experience a range of challenges that can significantly impact their effectiveness and overall job satisfaction. 

Some of these challenges include:

      • Managers invest significant time and effort in building and leading their teams. When faced with underperformance, they can feel frustrated by the lack of progress or the inability to achieve desired outcomes. This frustration stems from a misalignment between expectations and actual performance, leading to a sense of disappointment and dissatisfaction.
      • Underperforming teams or individuals require additional attention and support from the manager. This often results in an increased workload for the manager as they try to address the performance gaps, provide guidance, and ensure that tasks are completed on time. The added responsibility can leave managers feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin.
      • Managers may question their own leadership abilities when confronted with underperformance. They may wonder if they have effectively communicated expectations, provided the necessary resources, or if they have failed to motivate and engage their team members. This self-doubt can erode their confidence and create a sense of uncertainty about their own effectiveness as a leader.
      • Underperformance within a team can create a negative ripple effect on team dynamics. It may lead to decreased morale, lack of motivation, and strained relationships among team members. As a result, the manager may find it challenging to maintain a positive and cohesive work environment, which further exacerbates their concerns and stress levels.
      • Managers are accountable for the performance of their teams and are often under pressure from upper management to deliver results. When faced with underperformance, managers may feel the weight of this pressure, as they are expected to find solutions and drive improvements. This pressure can lead to heightened stress levels and a sense of urgency to rectify the situation promptly.
      • The underperformance of a team or individual reflects on the manager's professional reputation. Managers are responsible for the success of their teams, and persistent underperformance can be perceived as a reflection of their own capabilities. This can create concerns about their career progression and the potential impact on future opportunities.

The Fix

This comprehensive approach focuses on removing communication barriers and enhancing work execution to drive impactful results within your organization. Through a tailored strategy, we address underperformance in the following ways.

Performance Assessment

Simple and statistically accurate assessments are developed based on the unique circumstances and the types of analysis that will help to quickly identify root causes of the underperforming individual(s) or team(s). These assessments can include individual behavioral tendencies, team dynamics, communication channels, work processes, and job performance. The results of these assessments serve as the foundation for targeted interventions that address the unique challenges that the leader is experiencing. 

Tailored Strategies

Based on the insights gained from the performance assessments, a customized leadership strategy and action plan that is aligned with your organization's business goals is outlined. These strategies provide a phased roadmap for improvement, guiding you towards enhanced performance and productivity. We focus on simplifying processes, fostering a culture of accountability, and strengthening leadership capabilities to drive positive change within your team.

Communication Enhancement

Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful organization. We have found that a neuroscience-based approach allows individuals to expand their influence in their organization by identifying and solving problems through stronger collaboration. We work closely with your team to enhance interdepartmental and intra-team communication, fostering transparency, clarity, and efficiency. Through workshops, training sessions, and targeted interventions, we equip your managers and teams with the necessary skills to communicate effectively, collaborate seamlessly, and align their efforts towards shared objectives.

Performance Optimization

Leveraging our proven methodologies and training programs, we empower your managers with the skills needed to optimize their team's performance. Our focus lies in cultivating leadership qualities, fostering motivation, and implementing performance-driven practices that yield tangible results. From coaching and mentoring programs to performance management systems, we enable your managers to inspire their teams, set clear expectations, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.

Ongoing Support

Our commitment to your organization's success extends beyond the implementation of our strategies. We provide continuous support through regular progress reviews, fine-tuning of strategies, and training updates to ensure sustained positive change. Our experts are readily available to address questions, provide guidance, and support you throughout the implementation process. We aim to be your long-term partner in achieving lasting success.

If you are facing challenges with underperforming managers or underperforming critical teams, we invite you to explore how our expertise can help you overcome these obstacles and achieve remarkable results.