If a staff member’s performance declines, what is the best action for the leader to take?

Recommending mental health counseling services is a proactive and supportive measure for addressing a decline in a staff member's performance. When performance issues arise, it can often be beneficial to consider underlying personal or psychological factors that may be influencing the employee's work. Mental health counseling can provide the staff member with the resources and support needed to manage any challenges they may be facing, whether they are related to stress, personal issues, or work-life balance.

This approach reflects a compassionate leadership style that prioritizes the well-being of staff members, understanding that they may know more about their performance issues than anyone else. By facilitating access to counseling services, leaders demonstrate commitment to their employees, fostering a supportive work environment that can lead to improved morale, increased productivity, and ultimately a return to improved performance levels.

In contrast, redistributing responsibilities, terminating the staff member's position, or transferring them to another department may not address the root cause of the performance decline. These options could exacerbate feelings of isolation or inadequacy without providing the necessary support to help the staff member regain their footing.