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68 Examples of Performance Problems

John Spacey, September 05, 2021

Performance problems are workplace issues caused by the performance of an individual. This implies a situation that calls for management action such as a performance improvement plan, disciplinary action or dismissal. Performance problems are assessed according to the recent contributions of an individual and the nature of their role. For example, a salesperson who takes very long lunch breaks probably isn't an issue as long as they are closing sales, following up with customers and generally fulfilling their role. The following are illustrative examples of performance problems.

Absenteeism	Authoritarianism
Avoids Accountability / Responsibility	Avoids Work / Action Items
Breaks Law	Brings Personal Problems to Work
Brings Politics / Ideology To Work	Bypasses Process & Procedures
Client Dissatisfaction	Compliance Violations
Defeatism	Derails Projects
Disconnect From Performance Reality (low performer demands constant recognition)	Discrimination & Biases
Dishonest	Disrespectful
Exceeds Authority	Excessive Breaks / Socializing
Extended Period of Generally Low Performance	Fails to Follow Direction
Failure to Achieve Objectives	Failure to Make Proper Notifications (e.g. for sick day)
Harassment	Health & Safety Hazards
Hostile to Customers	Hostile to Management
Hostile to Peers	Ignores Workplace Health & Safety Practices
Inaccurate	Inappropriate Communication (e.g. emails entire company about personal opinions)
Incivility	Information Security Lapses
Insubordination	Intimidation
Lack of Candor	Lacks Objectivity
Lateness	Low Throughput
Malicious Compliance	Misses Deadlines
Misuse of Funds	Misuse of Time
Moody, Irritable or Overly Emotional	Negative Office Politics
Outrageous Behavior at Any Time that Damages Reputation of Employer	Overly Passive
Overreaction to Criticism	Passive Aggressive Behavior
Poor Attention to Detail	Poor Budget Control
Poor Listening Habits	Poor Work Quality
Resistance to Change	Resistance to Policy
Sabotage	Sidelines Management
Sidelines Stakeholders	Stakeholder Dissatisfaction
Submits Inaccurate Accusations	Substance Abuse
Subverts Internal Controls	Unauthorized Public Disclosures (violates policy or contract)
Unavailable During Core Working Hours	Unethical Behavior
Unprofessional Behavior	Unreasonable Complaints & Resentments
Wasted Resources / Cost	Workplace Bullying

Authoritarianism is where someone extends their power by misusing things that stem from authority such as processes, procedures and rules. For example, a customer service agent who uses rules to exert hostility towards customers.

For high performers, performance problems mostly relate to professionalism, ethical behavior and compliance. For example, if your top software developer is late for meetings they may deserve significant leniency. For low performers, issues mount and behavior such as tardiness can be a problem.