Team & Leadership Development

How to Develop a Low-Performing Marketing Leader

Paul Mills
October 30, 2023

Is Your Marketing Leader Struggling to Deliver Results?

Strong leadership is essential for a successful marketing team. However, when a marketing leader underperforms, it can affect team morale, campaign results, and overall business outcomes. Rather than replacing them outright, investing in their development can turn things around and unlock their potential.

Developing a low-performing marketing leader requires a strategic approach—one that identifies the root causes, provides targeted support, and sets clear expectations for growth.

Challenges of Low-Performing Leaders

Underperforming marketing leaders often face:

  • Skill gaps, particularly in areas like strategic thinking or data-driven decision-making.
  • Communication breakdowns, leading to misaligned teams and unclear priorities.
  • Low confidence, as repeated setbacks affect their ability to lead effectively.

These issues can result in:

  • Decreased team productivity and morale, with employees feeling unsupported or confused.
  • Ineffective campaigns that fail to meet objectives or drive ROI.
  • Increased strain on senior leadership to fill the gaps left by poor performance.

Without intervention, the leader’s challenges can cascade into broader organisational problems.

The Cost of Neglecting Leadership Development

Failing to address a low-performing leader’s challenges can lead to:

  • High turnover, as team members grow frustrated and disengaged.
  • Missed growth opportunities, with campaigns and strategies lacking the necessary leadership.
  • Wasted resources, as underperforming leaders fail to maximise their team’s potential.

Over time, neglecting leadership development can weaken your marketing function and overall business outcomes.

Our Solution: Hire A Fractional CMO to Mentor and Develop Leaders

Our Fractional CMOs can step in to mentor, guide, and upskill low-performing marketing leaders, helping them regain confidence and improve their effectiveness. By partnering with our marketing experts, we can help you to:

  1. Conduct a skills assessment, identifying areas for improvement and growth.
  2. Provide hands-on coaching, offering practical guidance on leadership, strategy, and decision-making.
  3. Set clear goals and accountability, ensuring measurable progress and results.

At VCMO, our Fractional CMOs specialise in developing marketing leaders to perform at their best. From skill-building to strategic alignment, we empower leaders to drive results and inspire their teams.

Ready to Unlock Your Leader’s Potential?

Investing in the development of a low-performing marketing leader can transform their impact on your business. With our expert mentoring and support, you can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.