HR, legal & training · Short course
Performance Counseling and Coaching
Using constructive conversations to address performance concerns and support improvement.
The programme
Programme overview
Expanded indicative outline. The subject areas are described below; proposed activities and final delivery requirements are confirmed with Ratomac before booking.
Using constructive conversations to address performance concerns and support improvement.
The programme brings together performance diagnosis, support conversations, improvement agreements and progress follow-up. The expanded outline below shows how these areas can be explored through explanation, discussion and the preparation of relevant work products.
A proposed workshop runs through the programme: An employee’s results have declined but the manager has not yet established the reasons. Participants would examine the situation in stages, use the information provided and explain the basis of their decisions. The workshop is fictional and can be adapted when the final training plan is agreed.
Who should attend
Is this programme for you?
This outline is relevant to the following roles. Suitability and any formal entry requirements should be checked for the selected programme.
- Line managers, supervisors and HR support staff.
- Individuals preparing to take on responsibilities in this area.
- Teams seeking a shared approach to the work described in the programme.
Purpose of the learning
Intended learning outcomes
- Separate observed performance evidence from assumptions about the employee.
- Plan questions for a constructive support conversation.
- Agree a fictional improvement plan with responsibilities and support.
- Prepare a follow-up discussion using progress evidence.
- Combine the module outputs into a reasoned response to the programme’s workplace scenario.
5 learning blocks
Detailed programme outline
01Performance diagnosis
This part of the programme examines performance diagnosis, with attention to expectations, evidence and causes. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Expectations.
- Evidence.
- Causes.
- Applied work: separate observed performance evidence from assumptions about the employee.
Illustrative practical exercise
Separate observed performance evidence from assumptions about the employee. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
02Support conversations
This part of the programme examines support conversations, with attention to listening and constructive questions. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Listening.
- Constructive questions.
- Applied work: plan questions for a constructive support conversation.
Illustrative practical exercise
Plan questions for a constructive support conversation. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
03Improvement agreements
This part of the programme examines improvement agreements, with attention to goals, actions and responsibilities. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Goals.
- Actions.
- Responsibilities.
- Applied work: agree a fictional improvement plan with responsibilities and support.
Illustrative practical exercise
Agree a fictional improvement plan with responsibilities and support. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
04Progress follow-up
This part of the programme examines progress follow-up, with attention to feedback and reviewing development needs. The practical task connects the subject to the programme’s workplace scenario and gives participants a specific output to discuss.
Topics to explore
- Feedback.
- Reviewing development needs.
- Applied work: prepare a follow-up discussion using progress evidence.
Illustrative practical exercise
Prepare a follow-up discussion using progress evidence. Explain the information used, identify any assumptions and take part in a review of the proposed approach.
05Integrated workplace workshop
An employee’s results have declined but the manager has not yet established the reasons. The final workshop connects the earlier work rather than treating each topic as an isolated activity.
Topics to explore
- Bring together the outputs from the earlier modules into one coherent response to the scenario.
- Check that the recommendation addresses the original problem and is supported by the information available.
- Identify responsibilities, dependencies and matters that require specialist input or further evidence.
- Present the proposed response and revise it after questions from the facilitator and other participants.
Illustrative practical exercise
Prepare a concise presentation for the fictional organisation. Include the proposed response, the evidence supporting it and the decisions still required. Finish with a reflection on which aspects could be relevant to your own work.
From discussion to application
How the programme could be delivered
The proposed learning approach combines facilitator-led explanation, discussion of the subject areas and guided work on the fictional scenario. Each module produces a practical output that can be reviewed and improved.
Participants can work individually or in small groups to compare interpretations, explain their decisions and identify missing information. Feedback focuses on the connection between the task, the evidence used and the proposed response.
The final workshop brings the module outputs together. Ratomac will confirm the delivery format, learning resources, entry requirements and any formal assessment or certification arrangements for the selected programme.
Discuss your requirements
Dates, duration & arrangements
Contact Ratomac to agree the final programme, duration and delivery format. Include your preferred timing, location and whether the enquiry is for yourself or a team.
Discuss this programme ↗Indicative outline for discussion. The final syllabus is agreed with Ratomac before booking. The expanded learning activities and workplace scenario are original proposals for discussion with Ratomac.