Diagnosing performance problems is part of every boss’s day. Here are three questions to help diagnose performance problems quickly and fairly. Start with the first question.

Ask: Can they do the job?

If they don’t have the skills, train and coach them. If they don’t have the resources, get the resources or change expectations. If they can’t do the job, that’s the problem to fix. Skip to the third question.

Ask: If they can do the job, why aren’t they doing it?

If they pitch in for every other task, it’s probably a confidence issue. Coaching is usually the solution. If they don’t pitch in for anything, it’s a discipline issue.

Ask: Is there anything else I should consider before I take action?

This is only one of 347 tips in my ebook, Become a Better Boss One Tip at a Time.