Imagine this scenario: A new employee asks the same questions repeatedly about procedures and does not show the expected level of initiative. Although the employee completed the training process and has had subsequent conversations with his manager, his performance is poor. Having spoken with the employee numerous times, the manager has now become frustrated to the point that she chastised the employee in front of a customer.

What is the problem here and what are some potential solutions to the situation?

Possibilities include:
-the employee was hired for a job that does not match his skills
-training is not thorough enough
-the employee and manager are not well matched
-the employee is unclear about job expectations and the level of initiative required
-the employee needs more support to apply skills learned in training
-the manager needs additional supervisory training

Possible solutions:
-make sure expectations are clear when a new employee is hired
-match new employees with a mentor until they build confidence
-make sure performance conversations take place in private
-provide more training for managers around how to deal with employees who are not performing at an expected level
-monitor that feedback is regular and that there is a clear process around addressing and documenting low performance
-provide the employee with an outlet to ask questions and express his or her concerns

Do you have any further thoughts?