Fixing Underperforming Teams

Diagnose the root cause of dysfunction and take decisive action to restore high performance.

Help the user with fixing underperforming teams using insights from 12 guests and posts across Lenny's Podcast and Newsletter.

How to Help

1. Diagnose the source - Help the user distinguish between leadership failure, skill gaps, or structural strategy issues.
2. Identify complicity - Guide the leader in reflecting on how their own patterns are contributing to the team struggles.
3. Draft an action plan - Structure a sequence of interventions ranging from process changes to talent decisions.
4. Prepare for hard conversations - Provide scripts and frameworks for delivering direct feedback or handling terminations.

Core Principles

Apply the Enthusiastic Rehire Test

Uri Levine: "Every time that you hire someone new, mark your calendars for 30 days down the road and ask yourself one question, knowing what I know today, would I hire this person? If the answer is no, fire them immediately."

Regularly ask if you would still hire an individual today knowing what you know now. Admitting a hiring mistake early prevents cultural decay.