How can you address unprofessional behavior in your team?

1 Identify the problem

The first step is to identify the problem and its impact. Unprofessional behavior can take many forms, such as being rude, disrespectful, dishonest, disruptive, or abusive. It can also include violating policies, norms, or ethics. You need to be clear about what the behavior is, how often it occurs, who is involved, and how it affects your team and your goals. You can gather evidence, feedback, and data to support your observations and avoid assumptions or biases.

2 Communicate your expectations

The next step is to communicate your expectations and standards to your team. You need to set clear and consistent boundaries and rules for professional conduct. You can use your organization's values, mission, and code of conduct as a reference. You can also involve your team in creating or revising your own team norms and agreements. You need to explain why professional behavior is important, what the benefits are, and what the consequences are for not meeting the expectations.

3 Address the behavior directly

The third step is to address the behavior directly and respectfully with the person or persons involved. You need to choose an appropriate time, place, and mode of communication. You need to be specific, factual, and objective about the behavior and its impact. You need to avoid personal attacks, accusations, or judgments. You need to listen to their perspective, acknowledge their feelings, and show empathy. You need to express your expectations, request a change, and offer support or guidance.

4 Follow up and monitor progress

The fourth step is to follow up and monitor progress after addressing the behavior. You need to document the conversation and the agreed actions or outcomes. You need to provide feedback, recognition, or coaching as needed. You need to track the changes and improvements in the behavior and its impact. You need to enforce the consequences if the behavior persists or worsens. You need to escalate the issue to a higher authority if necessary.

5 Model professional behavior

The fifth step is to model professional behavior yourself and encourage it in your team. You need to lead by example and demonstrate respect, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. You need to praise and reward professional behavior and celebrate successes. You need to foster a positive and supportive team culture and climate. You need to promote trust, communication, and feedback among your team members.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth step is to learn and improve from the experience of addressing unprofessional behavior in your team. You need to reflect on what worked well and what could be done better. You need to identify the root causes and the underlying factors that contributed to the behavior. You need to address any gaps, issues, or conflicts that may exist in your team or organization. You need to seek feedback, advice, or training to enhance your skills and knowledge as a team leader.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?