Managers often face the complex decision of whether to promote employees who may be technically competent yet struggle with team dynamics. Simply wanting a promotion isn’t enough—interpersonal effectiveness is key to leadership and team success.

Promoting individuals who disrupt harmony or exhibit bullying behaviors can negatively impact morale and productivity. However, an employee’s current struggles with teamwork don’t mean they lack potential for growth. Managers have a unique opportunity to guide these employees toward improvement, positioning them for future success.

💡 Effective Strategies to Consider:

1. Set Clear Expectations and Goals

Clearly communicate the expectations for behavior, communication, and collaboration. Discuss how teamwork and respect play into the company’s core values.

When employees understand these expectations, it becomes easier for them to align their actions with the team’s needs.

✅ Define specific, measurable goals to guide their growth, whether it’s:

  • Soliciting feedback

  • Improving collaboration

  • Addressing conflict constructively

2. Offer Targeted Coaching and Mentorship

Many employees who struggle with team dynamics benefit from tailored coaching.

👥 Assign a mentor who exemplifies strong interpersonal skills to provide a role model and firsthand insight into effective communication.

📆 Regular one-on-one coaching sessions with a supervisor or HR professional can:

  • Help the employee understand how their behaviors affect others

  • Provide actionable feedback for improvement

3. Encourage Self-Reflection and Accountability

Promoting self-awareness is essential for personal growth.

🪞 Encourage the employee to reflect on how their behavior impacts colleagues.

🧰 Use tools like:

  • Personality assessments

  • 360-degree feedback

These can help highlight areas for growth and offer a clearer view of how the employee is perceived.

4. Focus on Building Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a key predictor of success in leadership roles.

📚 Invest in training programs that develop:

  • Empathy

  • Active listening

  • Conflict resolution

An employee who can manage emotions and demonstrate empathy will find it easier to build trust and rapport with team members.

5. Recognize Progress and Provide Constructive Feedback

🎯 Recognizing small improvements can significantly motivate employees to improve their team dynamics.

✅ Acknowledge progress to reinforce positive behavior
🗣️ Maintain consistent, transparent feedback framed around growth rather than criticism

This balanced approach helps boost their commitment to change.

6. Set Milestones for Future Advancement

Help the employee see that while they may not be ready for a promotion now, there are clear, attainable steps they can take to get there.

📅 Set realistic timelines for reassessment and offer structured development paths.

This increases their chances of becoming a valued team player and a strong promotion candidate in the future.

🌱 Invest in Growth, Reap Stronger Teams

An investment in employees’ growth not only strengthens team morale but also builds a stronger, more cohesive team culture.

Promoting someone who has developed their interpersonal skills over time sends a positive message about growth potential and reinforces the value of teamwork.

🤝 Looking to Build a Cohesive Team?

Contact Venteon & Harvard Resource Solutions Today

Our staffing experts at Venteon & Harvard Resource Solutions can help you find candidates who not only meet technical requirements but also excel in team dynamics.

📩 Contact us to discuss how we can assist you in building a harmonious and productive workplace.