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What To Do When Someone On Your Team Isn't Working | #97 episode artwork

Aug 23, 2026 20 min

What To Do When Someone On Your Team Isn't Working | #97

from The Better Conversations Podcast Hosted by Kara List

Stop struggling with difficult conversations with your team. Learn why you hesitate and how to fix it effectively.If someone on your team isn't working the way you need them to, your first instinct might be: Is it time to let them go?But before you fire someone, there are a few questions you need to ask.In this episode, I’m walking you through what to do when someone on your team isn’t meeting expectations — without immediately jumping to frustration, blame, or termination.We’ll talk about:• How to separate observable behavior from labels like “lazy,” “difficult,” or “unreliable”• The difference between a standard and your personal preference• Why curiosity is one of your most important leadership tools• How to stop avoiding the conversations that need to happen• My CLEAR framework for having difficult feedback conversations• How to coach and empower your team without rescuing them• When a team problem is actually a performance or fit problem• How to know when it’s time to celebrate or separateIf you’re a founder who built a successful business but never got a manual for the people side of leadership, this one is for you.Get the free Better Conversations Leader ToolkitSeven conversations every founder needs to learn how to have with their team: https://www.heykaralist.com/toolkitWant help fixing the people side of your business?Learn about the Fix Your Team Accelerator: https://www.heykaralist.com/servicesYou built the business. Now it’s time to learn how to lead the people inside it.I'm Kara List, leadership coach and host of The Better Conversations Podcast. I help founders unlock the people side of scaling their business.

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What To Do When Someone On Your Team Isn't Working | #97

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This episode is 20 minutes long.

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This episode was published on August 23, 2026.

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