Key aspects of working with the poor performer
Featured in the Managing the Poor Performer training manual
By
Category: Performance Management
Credit price: 3 download credits (Single user)
This short training activity can be used alone or it can form an introductory session to any of the other ‘Managing the Poor Performer’ training activities. It is an important part of any managerial activity, but especially so where poor performance is concerned. This is because so much of poor performance is initiated by managers themselves: clear targets are not set, motivation methods are applied ‘across the board’ with no consideration for individual needs. Reward systems are often based on poorly thought out merit systems that can alienate as easily as motivate. Every poor performer is different – they all have different causes and each needs careful examination before a strategy is decided. However, there are some general principles and processes that can be followed to make an intervention fully effective. One difficulty about working with the poor performer is that it is difficult in itself – we don’t like to ‘rock the boat’ and are content to let the situation drag on and on, often losing the respect of other members of the workgroup in the process. But if a process is followed, and the manager allows it to drive the intervention forward, they can focus on that process rather than cope with every twist and turn of the poor performer’s reaction. Similarly, if the manager follows a simple set of principles of behaviour towards the poor performer, then their negative reactions can be mitigated, if not damped down altogether.
The training activity begins with a short discussion about the general principles of behaviour in dealing with any poor performer. The participants then consider how they would wish to be treated if they were a poor performer and look at some guiding principles dealing with the poor performer. They then go on to examine and discuss a process for managing any kind of poor performer. In summary, the participants review the activity by running through a checklist for improving poor performance, which they can use as a planning tool in the workplace.
Who is it for: This training resource is intended for use by trainers to provide a generic set of principles and processes for dealing with any type of poor performer.
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 20 |
| Typical Duration: | 01:30:00 |
| No of Pages: | 16 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Purpose: This training resource is intended for use by trainers on any programme relating to managing poor performance, basic supervisory techniques, performance management, and project management. It is suitable for use on any management training event.
Download the training activity, Key aspects of working with the poor performer as featured in the Fenman training manual; Managing the Poor Performer