In addition, setting goals that are out of reach leads to disengagement and decreases morale and productivity in the workplace. Those running organisations should consider a realistic timeline when delegating tasks to their teams, ensuring they set achievable goals while challenging and motivating staff.

Unrealistic expectations can create an unhealthy work environment that is detrimental to office culture and company progress.

Lack of initiative — not taking the initiative to complete tasks promptly

Many employees know the importance of taking the initiative when it comes to completing tasks promptly. However, lacking initiative can lead to lower productivity and reduced overall quality.

Employers and team leaders must encourage their colleagues to take the necessary steps toward success by motivating them and building an environment conducive to proactive behavior. When employees take steps towards completing tasks quickly and efficiently, it helps create a work culture where everyone works together to achieve maximum results.

Inability to work well with others

Working successfully with other team members, supervisors, or clients can be a major challenge for some people. Those who struggle to do so often feel frustrated and demotivated, leading to decreased job performance and productivity. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this issue, steps can be taken to improve the situation.

Developing strong communication skills, learning how to navigate potentially difficult conversations with respect and understanding, and creating an open environment where everyone can feel comfortable voicing their opinion or concerns can help foster better working relationships and make it easier for people to work together successfully.

Inconsistent work ethic — not being reliable on the job

An inconsistent work ethic can present a significant challenge for an organisation. A team or individual who does not act dependably or reliably on the job risks having to revisit previously completed tasks due to a lack of quality, resulting in wasted time and effort.

Furthermore, this inconsistency can result in missed opportunities, deadlines, project delays for the entire team, and damage to client relationships. The best overall approach is for employees to take ownership of their responsibilities and consistently strive to meet the highest standards on each task they undertake.

Establishing trust within the working environment will help ensure reliable behavior over time, helping maximize efficiency and productivity.

Poor time management skills — failing to meet deadlines and taking too much time with tasks

Poor time management skills can have serious consequences. Failing to meet deadlines may result in missed opportunities and a backlog of tasks that need to be done on tightened timetables. When it comes to taking too much time with tasks, this could mean underutilizing resources, hindering productivity and creating unnecessary stress. Understanding how to prioritize and manage time properly is essential for success. With practice and helpful strategies, it’s possible to develop better time management skills and make the most of your day.

Developing effective communication and work ethic, setting realistic expectations and taking the initiative are vital skills in any workforce. Managing your time effectively while being reliable is also key to success. Strong interpersonal skills further cement this by providing a collaborative working atmosphere with respect and cooperation.

Poor performance in one of these areas can lead to unsuccessful team dynamics, severely disrupting the production process. Adopting and maintaining best practices yields better performance and sets you up for more rewarding experiences in your career.

Originally Published at: https://medium.com/geekculture/hiring-the-right-employee-red-flags-to-watch-out-for-3f183b4727ba