Hitting productivity targets is crucial for teams to execute on business goals and deliver meaningful results. However, many teams struggle to consistently meet productivity benchmarks. There are a variety of reasons why teams fail to reach their targets. The good news is that with the right focus and tools like gap analysis templates, these issues can be addressed. This article explores the most common barriers to teams achieving productivity targets and proven ways leaders can pave the path to success.

Poor Communication

One of the most common reasons teams fail to meet productivity targets is poor communication. When team members don’t communicate clearly about responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations, work falls through the cracks. Team leaders need to set regular check-ins to update on progress and flag any issues. Using collaboration tools to centralise information can help ensure everyone is on the same page. Leaders should also encourage open communication and make sure team members feel comfortable asking questions.

How to fix it:

• Set daily or weekly stand-up meetings for team check-ins
• Use collaboration tools like Slack or Trello to centralise communications
• Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly defined
• Encourage team members to speak up about any issues proactively

Unclear Goals

It’s difficult for teams to be productive if they don’t have a clear understanding of their objectives and targets. You need to set specific, measurable goals and key results to aim for. Setting vague goals leaves too much room for misinterpretation. Goals should connect to overall business objectives so teams understand how their work ladders up.

How to fix it:

• Set S.M.A.R.T. goals with specific metrics and timelines
• Connect goals directly to overall business objectives
• Review goals frequently in team meetings as priorities shift
• Allow team members to give feedback on goals

Scope Creep

Scope creep happens when teams take on more work without adjusting targets. This leads to team members feeling overwhelmed and difficulties tracking progress. Try to avoid expanding project scope without adjusting targets and deadlines accordingly. Learn to say no to additional work that distracts from productivity goals.

How to fix it:

• Build in buffers when setting project timelines
• Prioritise ruthlessly when new work comes up
• Involve team members in scope decisions
• Revisit goals after changes to realign on priorities

Lack of Buy-In

When team members don’t buy into productivity goals, they won’t be motivated to hit them. Leaders need to get input from the team when setting goals. Allowing team members to have a voice increases commitment to shared objectives. Provide rationale when goals are set top-down. Consider incentives or public recognition to motivate buy-in.

How to fix it:

• Involve team members in setting goals when possible
• Clearly explain rationale behind goals set by leadership
• Align individual goals to team productivity targets
• Use incentives or recognition to drive engagement

Ineffective Processes

Teams waste time when they rely on inefficient processes. Evaluate systems and tools to identify bottlenecks. Implement process improvements through automation, streamlining, or eliminating unnecessary steps. Also, train team members to use existing tools and processes properly.

How to fix it:

• Map out workflows and identify pain points
• Eliminate redundancies and low-value activities
• Standardise processes to reduce confusion 
• Automate repetitive tasks when possible
• Train team members on process improvements

Lack of Accountability

Productivity suffers when team members aren’t held accountable. Hold regular one-on-one check-ins to review individual goals and progress. Establish processes where team members play an active role in goal-setting and self-evaluation. Consider consequences for missing targets like reduced incentives. Publicly share progress to motivate accountability.

How to fix it:

• Set regular one-on-one meetings with team members
• Involve team in setting their own goals
• Establish self-evaluation processes
• Consider consequences for missed targets
• Report on progress to leadership publicly

Conflict within the Team

Interpersonal conflict drags down productivity by distracting team members from work. Leaders need to proactively address tensions between team members. Facilitate open conversations where team members can express concerns. Don’t let problems fester. Deal with conflict directly through mediation to get the team back on track.

How to fix it:

• Don’t ignore problems, address issues proactively
• Allow team members to voice concerns openly
• Mediate disputes through compromise or finding common ground
• Focus conversations on business objectives 
• If needed, involve HR to resolve persistent conflicts

Lack of Skills

Team members without needed skills will struggle to hit targets. Identify skill gaps early and provide training opportunities. Bring in mentors to help team members develop. Offer to send select employees to skills workshops or online classes. Hiring specialists can also fill critical skill gaps hampering productivity.

How to fix it:

• Conduct skills assessments to identify gaps
• Provide training and mentoring opportunities
• Send team members to workshops or classes
• Consider new hires if gaps are severe
• Set goals around skills development

If your team isn’t hitting their targets, work through the points above and apply the suggested fixes for maximum success.