# How to Address an Underperforming Agency Before You Fire It: Editable Worksheet

This worksheet accompanies [the Agency Field Guide article](https://agencyfieldguide.com/guides/how-to-address-an-underperforming-agency) by Tim Kilroy.

Copy this document into your preferred editor. Replace the bracketed prompts with your details, remove inapplicable items and agree on the result with the people responsible for the work. Keep confidential information in an appropriately controlled location.

## Use this improvement plan.

Write the plan with the agency and retain a record of agreement.

- The commitment or expected standard is [specific requirement], documented in [source].
- The observed gap is [evidence], which affects [business consequence].
- We believe the causes include [agency, client and external factors], with [uncertainties] still to investigate.
- The agency will change [actions], owned by [person], by [date].
- The client will provide [inputs or decisions], owned by [person], by [date].
- We will assess delivery using [evidence] and business progress using [measures and limitations].
- We will review the plan on [date] and choose among [continue, revise or exit].
- Any commercial or contractual changes require [authorized approval].

At the review, compare the evidence with the plan rather than moving the requirements after the fact. Use [the account-manager guide](https://agencyfieldguide.com/guides/how-to-ask-for-a-new-agency-account-manager) for a staffing change and [the exit guide](https://agencyfieldguide.com/guides/how-to-end-an-agency-relationship) if the relationship cannot support the work you need.