Positive Approaches to Resolving Performance Problems

Session Format:

One 4–Hour Session

Introduction

Many organizations have some sort of goal-setting plan, and many managers do some sort of coaching.  However, when the situation gets sticky with employees not performing up to established goals, many managers become uncertain how to handle the situation effectively.  Yelling at the employee or ignoring the situation are natural responses, but not the most effective ones.

Objectives

The participant will learn to (1) define and identify problem employees or nonperformers, (2) assess and confront problem behaviors before more drastic measures need to be taken, (3) conduct a successful confrontation session, (4) develop and communicate standards that will ensure high quality performance, (5) create a plan for employee “buy-in” and determine what helps motivate your employees, and (6) carry out disciplinary sessions that work for both you and your employees.

Content Outline

• Recognizing the nonperformer or problem employee
• Four reasons for poor performance
• Confront performance problems early
• Creating clear documentation of problem employees
• Conducting winning confrontation sessions
• Identifying the outcomes that you want from your nonperformer
• Dealing with your own emotions when you confront employees
• Approach confrontation without intimidation
• Setting and communicating realistic standards
• Assessing standards for effectiveness
• Determining why standards aren’t being met 
• Obtaining employee commitment to high-quality performance
• Getting employees to buy into standards
• Strategies to enhance quality performance
• Identifying demotivators
• Identifying what your employees want the most
• Recognizing and rewarding quality work
• Discipline for positive results

Who Should Attend

This seminar is intended for individuals who conduct performance evaluations.