What is an effective first step if an employee's performance needs improvement?

An effective first step if an employee's performance needs improvement is to close the gap through mutual agreement. This approach emphasizes the importance of communication between the employee and the manager. By discussing performance issues openly, both parties can identify specific areas that need improvement and agree on actionable steps to address these gaps. This collaborative method not only empowers the employee by involving them in the discussion but also fosters a sense of accountability and support. Mutual agreement ensures that the employee understands the expectations and the reasons behind them, making it more likely that they will engage with the improvement process.

The other options focus on different strategies that may come into play later in the performance improvement process but do not address the initial step of identifying and agreeing on the necessary changes with the employee. Providing clear rewards may be motivating, but it is crucial first to ensure that the employee understands what needs to be improved. Simplifying the task completely might undermine the employee’s capacity and growth. Considering reassigning the employee might be too drastic an action without first understanding and addressing the current performance issues.