One of the most difficult conversations a manager must ever have with an employee is coaching them when a performance problem exists. Many managers put this discussion off altogether, or handle it ineffectively. As a result, the employee never gets the coaching needed, and performance does not improve.
It’s important to recognize before you begin that not every performance issue is caused by an employee. Sometimes a managerial issue or organizational impediment could be at the root of the problems. Determine if there is something else that might have contributed to the problem before you begin your discussion. The employee may also be able to provide insight into this during the discussion.
There are 3 critical elements that must be present in any discussion a manager has to improve the performance of their employees. They are:
Summary
Make sure you are including these 3 elements in any conversation you have with an employee to improve performance. When you do, the employee will not only be more likely to improve the behavior you are addressing, but feel more motivated to do so consistently in the future.
How You Can Learn to Improve Employee Performance
Our on-line Improving Employee Performance program provides a blended learning process, which requires no travel and can be completed in condensed, spaced time periods. Blending live on-line instruction sessions with interactive self-paced review eLearning modules, this courseware combines maximum learning and instructional flexibility with minimum schedule impact. It's easy to participate. All you need is access to the internet and a telephone line.
Susan Cullen is President of Quantum Learning Solutions, based outside of Philadelphia. She helps organizations build a more productive and committed workforce. To learn more, contact www.quantumlearn.com or 800-683-0681.