How to successfully deal with low performing employees and get your team back on track.
Available now on all Amazon stores.
Every manager goes through the struggle of managing a low performer, but no one talks about that!
I decided to break the taboo and give you the best book on the topic.
Every manager, new or seasoned, will face low performance in their team at some point. It’s a difficult but crucial part of their job.
Beyond practical challenges, these situations take a heavy emotional and mental toll, especially for first-time managers.
Many managers feel isolated and overwhelmed, with sleepless nights and doubts about their abilities.
Low performance it’s associated with feelings of failure, shame, and discomfort. Many avoid addressing it until the problem escalates.
Managing low performance is often misunderstood as ruthless or lacking empathy. In reality, ignoring the issue harms everyone involved: the manager, the employee, the team, and the organization.
The book tackles the rarely addressed topic of low performance head-on and focuses on real-world, from-the-trenches experiences, not generic theories.
The book balances empathy with professionalism and supports managers in guiding employees while maintaining team integrity.
The book is designed for new and experienced managers alike and provides actionable strategies to handle both the technical and emotional aspects of underperformance.
Build and use competency matrices to measure skills and identify gaps.
Evaluate fit, engagement, and motivation to understand underlying issues.
Develop insights into team dynamics through interaction evaluation techniques.
Learn how to engage low performers with structured meetings and follow-ups.
Understand decision-making heuristics to guide tough calls with confidence.
Master execution strategies like performance improvement plans and mutual termination agreements, always balancing professionalism with empathy.
Create a culture of accountability by sharing expectations effectively.
Keep standards high to avoid the ripple effects of tolerating low performance.
Learn the pitfalls of upfront promotions and strategies to maintain long-term team excellence.
Recognize and address decision inertia and emotional hurdles.
Identify and mitigate cognitive biases that may cloud your judgment.
Learn techniques to cope with your feelings, ensuring sustainable leadership.
The Part II - Execute chapter dives into the most crucial part of the process: how to act decisively and effectively when it matters most. From performance improvement plans to tough conversations, get practical guidance for free and see the difference it can make in your management journey.
This book doesn’t just teach you the "how"; it also helps you understand the emotional side of managing low performers. I feel more prepared to handle tough conversations while staying empathetic and professional. Truly invaluable guidance.
James T. VP of Sales
The strategies for identifying and managing low performance early have been a game-changer for my team. Recognizing potential issues before they escalate has allowed us to maintain a high bar for talent and productivity.
Emma L. Director of Engineering
This book gave me the tools and confidence to address low performance in a way that improved not just the individual, but the entire team. The ripple effect of these strategies has been incredible for morale and productivity.
Katarzyna D. Operations Manager
I’m Nicolò Pignatelli, an engineering leader, entrepreneur, and mentor with over a decade of experience in startups, scale-ups, and global marketplaces. My journey began as a software engineer and entrepreneur, founding a tech startup, which gave me invaluable insight into the challenges of building and leading teams.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse organizations, including GetYourGuide and Rocket Internet, where I’ve led teams, elevated engineering quality, and delivered products used by millions. My approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of business strategy and a commitment to aligning engineering initiatives with broader company goals.
In Managing Low Performance, I share the strategies and lessons I’ve learned to help other leaders tackle this critical aspect of management with confidence.
I currently live in Berlin with my family, where I continue to mentor engineers and entrepreneurs and explore ways to create better workplaces.
Take the first step toward confidently tackling low performance and winning the hardest parts of managing a team.
Buy now on Amazon
