Recognize the need to act
Understand why leaving underperformance unaddressed affects the employee, leader and wider team.
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Leadership and communication
Managing Underperformers in the Workplace
Address performance problems before they become permanent.
Avoiding an underperformance problem rarely makes it easier. Learn how to prepare for a reality-based conversation, communicate expectations clearly, respond to different reactions and document the commitments that follow.
- Prepare for difficult performance conversations.
- Respond constructively to emotion and resistance.
- Agree on actions and follow through.
Course providerProfessional Leadership Institute
Course structure5 modules + introduction and wrap-up
Course focusPreparation. Difficult conversations. Follow-through.
Bring your learning to work
Approach underperformance with clarity.
For managers and team leaders who need a fair, practical approach to recurring performance concerns.
Prepare carefully
Gather relevant facts, clarify expectations and plan a constructive approach.
Conduct the conversation
Use a clear conversation structure while listening and responding to different reactions.
Follow through
Document commitments, set the next checkpoint and continue the performance-management process.
Your course at a glance
What you’ll learn
Curriculum shown directly from this course in Thinkific.
START Introduction
- Before You Begin
- WelcomeFree preview
- Download: Dealing with Under Performers Cheat Sheet
01 Module 1: Why Take Action with Underperformers
- Module 1 IntroductionFree preview
- The Job of a LeaderFree preview
- The Johari WindowFree preview
- Blind SpotsFree preview
- It's Not Necessarily Their FaultFree preview
- Is it Nice to Give Underperformance a Pass?Free preview
- Module 1 Quiz
02 Module 2: How to Prepare for Conversations with Underperformers
- Module 2 Introduction
- The Star Chart
- Immaturity
- Prepare for the Reality Conversation
- Module 2 Quiz
03 Module 3: How to Conduct a Potentially Difficult Conversation
- Module 3 Introduction
- 2 Approaches to Difficult Conversations
- Reading: Nonverbal Communication
- 5 Steps to a Successful Conversation
- Module 3 Quiz
04 Module 4: How to Respond to Their Reactions
- Module 4 Introduction
- Cardinal Rules
- How to Handle Emotions
- Reading: A Landscape of Feelings
- Emotional Responses
- 3 Responses to Watch For
- Module 4 Quiz
05 Module 5: What to Do After the Conversation with Underperformers
- Module 5 Introduction
- Avoiding He Said/She Said
- Reading: It's a Process!
- The 'Commits'
- Module 5 Quiz
FINISH Wrap-Up
- In Conclusion
- Final Test
- Download: Dealing with Under Performers Cheat Sheet
Before you begin
Good to know
Who is this course for?
For managers and team leaders who need a fair, practical approach to recurring performance concerns.
How long does it take?
Plan for approximately 2 hours. The course is self-paced, so you can work through it around your schedule.
Do I need previous experience?
No. The course is most useful when you can apply the preparation steps to a real or representative performance situation.
What is included?
The course includes online lessons, quizzes, downloadable resources and a Certificate of Achievement.
Managing underperformers
Have the conversation the situation needs.
Prepare well, communicate clearly and give employees a fair path to improve.
Course price$149.00
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