265: How to deal with underperformance

Are you struggling to manage underperformance on your team?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien dives into the challenging topic of dealing with underperformers in the workplace. Drawing on her experiences as a career and culture strategist, Aoife unpacks the reasons why underperformance happens, how it impacts you as a leader or teammate, and the practical steps you can take to address it compassionately and effectively. Aoife also tackles common issues, such as unclear expectations and feedback aversion, and emphasises the importance of courageous conversations and setting healthy boundaries.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Common reasons why underperformance occurs, from blind spots and lack of clarity to feedback aversion and power dynamics.The value of difficult conversations in driving individual and team growth.Tips for documenting specific examples to support constructive feedback and performance discussions.When and how to escalate issues and set boundaries to protect your own workload and well-being.

Related Topics Covered:

Purpose at Work, Employee Wellbeing, Boundaries at Work

 Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

Website LinkedIn YouTube 

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 235: Empowering your Career and Overcoming Hurdles with Aoife O’Brien

Episode 240: Meaningful Work through Simplification with Lisa Bodell

Episode 242: Transforming Mental Health Conversations at Work with Melissa Doman

About Happier at Work®

Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.

If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Happier at Work® is the go-to podcast for client-facing leaders who want to create thriving workplaces where people and businesses succeed. Hosted by career and workplace culture strategist Aoife O’Brien, each episode explores the psychology of work, tackling the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping today’s workplace—from leadership and career growth to workplace culture, imposter syndrome, and employee engagement.

Blending expert insights, psychological research, real-world stories, and actionable strategies, Happier at Work® helps you build a career and workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired. Guests include leading psychologists, bestselling authors, and professionals like you who are putting these ideas into practice.

Whether you’re a leader looking to create a high-performing team or an ambitious professional navigating career growth, this podcast gives you the tools to drive real change.

🎧 Subscribe now and join the movement!

• No. of episodes: 313
• Latest episode: 2025-07-18
• Business

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