How would you handle a team member who is underperforming?
What the interviewer wants to hear
- Talk privately and understand the cause
- Be specific about the gap with examples
- Agree a plan with support and clear expectations
- Follow up; involve their line manager if needed
Model answer
I would first have a private conversation to understand what is happening. I would describe the specific gap with examples, like two tasks finished late and with errors, and then listen. The cause might be unclear requirements, too many parallel tasks, missing skills or a personal issue. Based on that, we agree a plan together: maybe clearer task breakdown, pairing with a senior colleague, training, or moving some work to someone else for a while. I make expectations and dates clear and check in regularly, giving positive feedback when things improve. In many organisations the project manager is not the line manager, so if the problem continues, I involve their line manager in a fair and documented way. Throughout, I keep the conversation respectful and focused on the work.
Can you answer it under time pressure?
Take a timed medium round and get scored on every answer.
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