Course Description
Performance management is a critical aspect of organizational success, but
it often involves addressing challenging topics that can be uncomfortable for
both leaders and employees. Leaders, managers, and HR professionals frequently
encounter situations in which employee performance falls short of expectations,
misunderstandings arise, or difficult feedback is necessary to guide
improvement. Navigating Difficult Conversations in
Performance Management is a comprehensive course designed to
equip participants with the skills and strategies required to conduct these
conversations with confidence, professionalism, and empathy. The course
emphasizes practical approaches that not only address performance issues but
also strengthen relationships, encourage accountability, and foster a culture
of growth within teams.
A central challenge in performance management is the emotional dimension of
difficult conversations. Many leaders struggle with personal discomfort, fear
of conflict, or uncertainty about how to communicate constructive feedback
without discouraging or demotivating employees. This course teaches
participants to recognize and manage their emotional triggers while developing
self-awareness around their biases, assumptions, and communication habits. By
understanding how their own emotions impact the conversation, leaders can
maintain composure, focus on facts, and deliver feedback in a manner that is
both respectful and actionable.
The course also emphasizes the importance of preparation and data-driven
approaches in performance management. Participants will learn to gather and
analyze relevant performance metrics, examples, and behavioral observations,
ensuring that feedback is grounded in evidence rather than perception. This
approach increases credibility and minimizes the risk of misunderstanding or
defensiveness, creating a foundation for constructive dialogue. Participants
will also explore methods for structuring feedback conversations, combining
clarity, empathy, and goal-oriented solutions to ensure the discussion is
productive and solution-focused.
Effective communication is at the heart of navigating difficult
conversations. Throughout this course, participants will learn techniques to
deliver feedback clearly, maintain a positive and professional tone, and foster
a two-way dialogue that encourages employees to reflect and engage in
problem-solving. Participants will explore strategies for active listening,
asking open-ended questions, and acknowledging employee perspectives, which
build trust and enhance collaboration even in challenging situations. By framing
feedback constructively, leaders can motivate employees to take ownership of
their development and view performance discussions as opportunities rather than
threats.
Beyond the immediate conversation, performance management requires
follow-through. This course offers guidance on developing actionable
performance improvement plans and setting measurable goals, providing employees
with a clear roadmap for growth. Participants will learn to monitor progress,
provide ongoing support, and hold team members accountable in ways that
reinforce learning, achievement, and continued professional development. By
integrating follow-up strategies, leaders can ensure that performance
management conversations translate into meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Designed for leaders, managers, and HR professionals at all levels, Navigating
Difficult Conversations in Performance Management combines
theoretical insights with practical, actionable tools. Through interactive
exercises, real-world case studies, and self-assessment techniques,
participants will develop the confidence to address performance challenges and
maintain constructive relationships. The course equips leaders to navigate
difficult discussions in ways that align with organizational goals, promote
fairness, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to approach difficult
performance conversations with confidence, empathy, and clarity. They will
possess the skills to gather and present data effectively, communicate feedback
constructively, manage emotional dynamics, and develop actionable improvement
plans. Mastering these techniques ensures that performance management
conversations are not only productive but also transformative, enabling
employees to grow, teams to thrive, and organizations to achieve sustained
success.
Course Outcomes
· Identify and analyze common scenarios that lead
to difficult conversations in performance management.
Develop self-awareness by recognizing emotional
triggers.
· Learn to gather and utilize data in preparation
for performance conversations effectively.
· Practice effective communication strategies to
navigate difficult performance conversations with empathy and clarity.
· Explore and implement techniques for using clear
and constructive language in performance management to enhance understanding,
foster engagement, and promote a culture of growth and trust within teams.
· Learn how to create effective action plans that
enhance accountability and establish a clear pathway for improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who should attend this course?
A: Leaders, managers, supervisors, and HR professionals who are responsible for
conducting performance management discussions and guiding employee development.
Q: What skills will I gain from this course?
A: Participants will develop emotional intelligence, self-awareness, effective
communication strategies, data-driven feedback skills, and the ability to
create actionable performance improvement plans.
Q: How does this course help with employee engagement?
A: By conducting performance conversations with empathy and clarity, leaders
can strengthen trust, encourage accountability, and motivate employees to take
ownership of their growth.
Q: Why is preparation essential for challenging conversations?
A: Preparing with accurate data, clear examples, and a structured approach
ensures that feedback is credible, constructive, and focused on solutions
rather than personal opinions.
Q: Can these techniques be applied remotely?
A: Yes. The course provides strategies for delivering performance feedback in
virtual or hybrid work environments while maintaining clarity, empathy, and
engagement.
Q: What is the benefit of follow-up after performance
conversations?
A: Follow-up ensures accountability, reinforces learning, monitors progress,
and provides continued guidance to support employee growth and team
performance.
Course Certifications:
This course is certified by both SHRM and HRCI, providing professional development opportunities recognized and accredited by leading industry organizations. Whether you want to earn SHRM PDCs or HRCI recertification credits, this course ensures you meet your HR certification requirements and enhance your skills. Get the knowledge you need to advance your career with an SHRM and HRCI-approved course designed for HR professionals committed to professional growth and development. Don't miss the chance to boost your credentials with this certified HR training.
SHRM PDCs: 3
HRCI Credits: 3
Agenda
Lesson 1: Difficult
Conversations in Performance Management
Understand the importance of addressing challenging performance issues with
clarity, empathy, and a solution-focused mindset.
Lesson 2: Challenging
Scenarios in Performance Management
Explore common performance management challenges, including
underperformance, missed expectations, and resistance to feedback.
Lesson 3: Preparing for
Conversations Through Self-Reflection
Learn to reflect on your communication style, biases, and assumptions to
prepare for more effective and unbiased performance discussions.
Lesson 4: Preparing for
Conversations by Gathering Relevant Data
Discover the significance of collecting concrete data, performance metrics,
and examples to support a fair and constructive conversation.
Lesson 5: Communication
Strategies for Difficult Conversations
Master key communication techniques such as active listening, framing, and
maintaining a calm demeanor to handle tough performance conversations
successfully.
Audience
This course is ideal for managers, team leaders, and HR professionals who
are responsible for managing performance and facilitating difficult
conversations:
- Managers and supervisors – Strengthen your ability to have difficult conversations that drive
performance improvement while maintaining positive relationships.
- HR Professionals – Gain
tools for guiding leaders through effective performance management
conversations and creating a culture of accountability.
- Team Leaders – Learn
strategies to engage your team members constructively and support their
professional growth.
- Senior Leaders – Equip yourself with the skills to lead by example and ensure that
performance conversations align with organizational values.
- Aspiring Leaders – Develop
the skills to navigate challenging conversations and manage performance
issues confidently as you grow in your leadership role.
Master the art of navigating difficult performance conversations with Navigating
Difficult Conversations in Performance Management and turn
challenging situations into valuable opportunities for growth and team success!
Comments
Rescheduling and Cancellations
If you need to reschedule or cancel your registration, please refer to the following policy:
• Rescheduling and Cancellations with Prior Notice: If you cancel at least fifteen (15) business days before the course begins, you will receive full credit for another session.
• Last-Minute Cancellations: Cancellations made fewer than fourteen (14) business days before the course starts will receive a 50% partial credit for a future session.
• No Shows: Participants who fail to attend without prior notice will not receive credit for future sessions, nor will a refund be issued.
• Substitution Option: If you cannot attend, you may substitute another person from your organization. Please notify us by email at least fifteen (15) business days before the course start date.