Managing Underperformance
Enabling managers to solve performance problems in a confident and effective way
If you’re a manager, dealing with poor performance can be your most dreaded task. Confronting team members about correcting or improving their performance is often intimidating, stressful and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Some managers dread it so much they avoid the “pain” altogether by accepting poor performance by employees until it turns into a termination issue. This does not help the manager, the employee or the company!
Learn practical techniques to help team members improve performance. At the heart of this training programme is a clear three-stage technique with each stage having a number of clear learning points all of which are easy to grasp and implement. The skills learned will not only keep managers focused on observable performance rather than attitude, but will provide a critical structure to keep defensive sidetracks from derailing the improvement process.
Participants will:
- Learn how to manage and improve performance
- Learn how to intervene, rather than confront
- Develop skills to bring the focus back to performance
This course is suitable for those who manage other people and are looking to build their confidence and effectiveness in tackling performance problems.
Understanding Underperformance
- Defining underperformance
- Clarifying the role of the manager in underperformance situations
- The benefits of managing underperformance effectively
Facing up to the Problems
- Applying a 3 stage structured technique to poor performance situations
- Clarifying performance expectations with employees
- The key reasons why employees sometimes perform poorly and what can be done about it
- Effective techniques for giving feedback in poor performance situations
- Agreeing SMART objectives for performance improvement
Video Case Study
- Analysis of management behaviours in addressing underperformance
Practice and Feedback
- Participants have the opportunity to practice applying the knowledge and skill learned in a safe environment including a ‘slow-motion-time-paused’ practice simulation.
Improving Motivation
- Assessing and increasing levels of motivation with individual team members
Video Content
- The Video Arts production ‘I’d like a word with you’ is used to reinforce learning. The amusing drama shows how conflict can be avoided and a potential ‘problem’ employee turned into a valuable team member
Personal Development
- Action planning the transfer of learning to the workplace
“Excellent. I have gained the ability and confidence to tackle poor performance, along with clear definitions.” Lynne Farrow, Manchester City Council
“Brilliant. Delivery was excellent. Contribution of professionalism, expertise, examples and great use of humour in conveying the messages.” Sarah Henney, White Young Green
“I now have a range of skills to help identify and deal with poor performance. The course was well paced, relevant and well delivered.” Dave Wilkinson, Concise IT