Managing Poor Performance - Melbourne

Managing Poor Performance - Melbourne

You know that sinking feeling when you realize one of your team members just isn't cutting it. Maybe they're missing deadlines, their work quality has dropped, or they're bringing down team morale. You've probably tried the casual chat approach, dropped hints, or even given them easier tasks hoping things would improve. But deep down, you know you need to address this properly before it affects everyone else.

Managing poor performance isn't about being the bad guy - it's about being fair to your entire team and giving struggling employees a real chance to turn things around. Most managers avoid these conversations because they're uncomfortable, but that just makes everything worse. The good news is that with the right approach, many performance issues can be resolved without anyone having to lose their job.

This training shows you how to tackle performance problems head-on while maintaining respect and professionalism. You'll learn how to document issues properly (because you'll need that paper trail), have those difficult conversations without making things personal, and create improvement plans that actually work. We'll cover everything from spotting early warning signs to knowing when you've done everything you can and it's time to make tough decisions.

What You'll Learn:
- How to identify the real reasons behind poor performance (sometimes it's not what you think)
- The right way to document performance issues so you're protected legally
- How to have honest conversations about performance without destroying relationships
- Creating professional development plans that give people a genuine chance to improve
- When to involve HR and what support you should expect
- How to manage the impact on your other team members who are doing their job properly
- The legal stuff you need to know to avoid getting yourself or your company in trouble
- Techniques for staying objective when emotions are running high

We'll work through real scenarios you've probably faced - the employee who used to be great but has lost motivation, the new hire who seemed perfect in the interview but can't deliver, and the long-term team member who's been coasting for months. You'll practice the actual conversations you need to have and learn how to stay calm and professional even when things get heated.

The Bottom Line:
After this session, you'll have the confidence and tools to address performance issues early before they become bigger problems. You'll know how to be firm but fair, protect your team's productivity, and give struggling employees the best chance to succeed. Most importantly, you'll stop avoiding these conversations and start handling them like the professional leader your team needs. Because when you manage performance properly, everyone wins - your high performers feel valued, struggling employees get the help they need, and you sleep better knowing you're doing your job as a leader.