Difficult conversations · Manager scripts
How to Tell an Employee Their Work Quality Is Not Good Enough
“Quality is not good enough” is too vague to manage. Show the gap between the expected standard and the delivered work, then define what acceptable looks like.
What to say
Opening
“I want to talk about the quality of the last two submissions. Both needed substantial correction before they could be used.”
Define the standard
“For this work, I expect the figures to be checked, the assumptions stated, and the final version to be ready for review without basic corrections.”
Confirm improvement
“For the next submission, what will you change in your checking process before it reaches me?”
How to handle the conversation
- Use recent, specific examples instead of “your work is sloppy.”
- Describe the standard in observable terms.
- Ask the employee to explain how they will change the process, not only promise to “do better.”
- If skill is the issue, define coaching or training support separately from accountability.
What to avoid
Avoid rewriting the employee’s work yourself every time. That hides the performance gap and trains the team to depend on your rescue.
What to do after the conversation
Review the next comparable deliverable against the same stated standard and give quick feedback while the example is fresh.
Note: These scripts are general management guidance. Follow your employer’s HR, conduct, performance, and legal procedures where they apply.