How can I tell my manager that my team member is stuggling?

Dear Deb:

How can I tell my manager that the newly-hired team member is not up to the task?   He hired someone, who exaggerated her abilities and after 30 days on the job she is still struggling to perform her work.  So, two of us on the team are picking up the slack, correcting her work, and answering her questions.  My boss does not seem to notice.  My co-worker is too nice to say anything, but I am getting fed-up.   How can I tell my boss without coming across as a negative or unhelpful? 

Thanks,

Jake

Dear Jake:

This is a common issue when people work on teams.   There is generally a team member who is stronger and may carry a heavier load, handling more complex tasks.  Newer team members need time to learn the job and grow into the position.  Some people take longer than others.  If you tell your manager, you will likely seem negative.  Also, your manager must have seen something special in the new team member to hire her. My suggestion is to keep performing your job at a high level.  Be helpful when appropriate, without doing someone else’s job for them.  If the team member is taking too much of your time, talk to her directly. Perhaps, you could say, “I am busy today meeting my deadline. Can we schedule a time to meet tomorrow and I can show you how to do ABC.”   Lastly, if the team member really has misrepresented herself, your manager will see this in time. 

Wishing you all the best,

Deb