Is it OK to tell one of my directs that his work speed is lower compared to the other people in the team? What could go wrong if I do that?
I want to encourage him to pick up the pace. If comparing him with the others is not a good move, what other way can I do that?
Give feedback based on job standard
If he's not meeting job standard, negative feedback and coach him to meet standard.
If he is, positive feedback and ask *yourself* why it's an issue. Figure out how to express that and to let him find motivation to get faster if that's actually desired.
In reply to Give feedback based on job standard by Joseph Beckenbach
100%
Agree 100%. Having an objective standard based on behaviors instead of comparing to others will keep you out of all sorts of dicey situations with HR.