Performance Management: Developing People and Driving Results

Course Overview

Performance management is ongoing process of setting expectations, observing and providing feedback, developing capability, and evaluating performance. This course teaches leaders how to manage performance for development and results.

Performance Management Cycle

Setting Expectations

• Clear goals aligned to strategy
• Metrics for success
• Understanding of performance standards
• Regular dialogue about expectations
• Flexibility to adjust as conditions change

Ongoing Feedback

• Regular feedback, not just at review time
• Specific, actionable feedback
• Positive reinforcement and recognition
• Coaching and development
• Course correction when needed

Coaching and Development

• Understanding individual strengths and development areas
• Creating development opportunities
• Providing mentoring and coaching
• Supporting growth
• Building confidence

Performance Review and Evaluation

• Honest assessment of performance
• Comparison to expectations
• Recognition of performance
• Differentiation of high and low performers
• Consequences aligned with performance

Retention and Succession

• Identifying high performers and critical talent
• Development and retention of top talent
• Succession planning for key roles
• Career pathing discussions
• Internal mobility

Effective Performance Conversations

Key Principles

• Focus on behavior and results, not personality
• Balance positive and development feedback
• Listen to employee perspective
• Problem-solve collaboratively
• Create action plans with accountability

Feedback Models

• Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI)
• Start with positive, address development, end with support
• Ask questions before providing advice
• Check for understanding

Addressing Performance Issues

Performance Improvement Plans

• Clear description of performance gap
• Specific behaviors to change
• Support and resources provided
• Metrics for success
• Timeline
• Consequences if improvement doesn't occur

Creating Performance Culture

Recognition and Celebration

• Notice and recognize good work
• Celebrate wins
• Share success stories
• Make recognition meaningful

Consequences for Performance

• High performers are rewarded and developed
• Low performers are addressed
• Values-based performance matters (how you achieve results)
• Accountability exists for all

Conclusion

Leaders who excel at performance management develop capable teams, drive results, and create cultures where people are motivated to do their best work.