Category: Performance Management

Most of us, managers included, prefer to avoid conflict and confrontation. We find it uncomfortable. We aren’t sure what to say. We may even have concerns about what we can legally discuss with employees, or how to handle strange or disturbing behaviors. Start by thinking about the issue as a shared problem. If you have an employee whose performance … Continue reading Dealing with Problem Employees — Counseling Strategies

Successfully managing the performance of veteran employees moved into new roles may well be one of the most challenging tasks you face as a manager. There are a number of reasons for this situation to have occurred. Sometimes, when companies downsize or restructure, veteran employees accept assignments that are new to them when their former roles … Continue reading Performance Management Strategies for Veteran Employees in New Roles

When new employees begin working for you, they are often excited, enthusiastic, and engaged in their new jobs. They seem curious about everything, and they may have a lot of questions. Assuming you have done a good job initially orienting your new employee, it’s time to move on to the next step of managing their performance successfully. You … Continue reading Coaching and Feedback for Your Newest Employees

Hiring a new employee is time-consuming and can even be nerve-wracking. You have reviewed resumes, you have spent considerable time, and probably company funds, in the screening and interviewing process. You may even have called references, or started a background check process. Finally, you’ve selected a candidate, crafted a job offer, and the candidate has accepted your offer. You … Continue reading Performance Expectations for New Employees: How to Set Them (and You!) Up for Success

Think about the last road trip you took, either with family or friends. I’m betting that you had some idea of where you were going and when you would arrive. You may even have had a map and a specific time-table. Although there are those free spirits who set out without a destination in mind, most of us … Continue reading Performance Management: Setting Performance Expectations

Annual Performance reviews are often dreaded on both sides of the desk. There are a number of reasons for this unfortunate truth. Performance goals may not have been revisited since they were set a year ago, and both the manager and the employee are uneasy about whether or not they are still valid, let alone whether or not … Continue reading Employee Performance Reviews that Work