In this section, you’ll find tools to help you address performance problems, including tips and scripts for performance improvement plans, coaching out, and letting go.

Where to Start

Resource Type
Article / publication

Four Steps for Addressing Performance Problems

What do you do when someone isn’t performing well—they’re not meeting expectations, hitting goals, or demonstrating the must-haves of their role? How much should you invest in performance improvement? When is it time to let someone go? And, how the #@$% do you decide? These four steps will help you navigate the tricky processes of addressing performance problems.

10 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Performance Improvement Plan Toolkit

A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a written plan with clear steps to help your staff member get to the expected level of performance for their role. This toolkit includes two resources: 1) a preparation worksheet for managers, which can be helpful whether or not you’re ready for a formal PIP; and 2) a template for a written Performance Improvement Plan you can fill in and share with your staff member.

4 min read

Additional Resources

Resource Type
Tool / Template

Addressing Performance Problems Case Study

Check out this case study that illustrates the four steps outlined in our article on addressing performance problems: reflect, check in, assess, consider and decide.

3.5 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

Four Steps for Addressing Performance Problems

What do you do when someone isn’t performing well—they’re not meeting expectations, hitting goals, or demonstrating the must-haves of their role? How much should you invest in performance improvement? When is it time to let someone go? And, how the #@$% do you decide? These four steps will help you navigate the tricky processes of addressing performance problems.

10 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Performance Improvement Plan Toolkit

A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a written plan with clear steps to help your staff member get to the expected level of performance for their role. This toolkit includes two resources: 1) a preparation worksheet for managers, which can be helpful whether or not you’re ready for a formal PIP; and 2) a template for a written Performance Improvement Plan you can fill in and share with your staff member.

4 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

Frequently Asked Questions About Performance Problems

How long should you give someone to improve after warning them? What should I do when someone isn’t meeting expectations, but I can’t pinpoint concrete things they messed up either? Here are some questions that we often hear regarding performance problems.

7 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Practice Giving Feedback for Evaluations

Giving effective feedback requires practice. This small group activity can help managers practice different types of feedback in preparation for performance evaluations.

3 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

How to Coach a Disorganized Staff Member

Here’s our advice about coaching a disorganized staff member. (Note: you can apply these tips to coaching about other issues too!)

5 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

Two Truths and a Lie About Feedback

Hesitant about giving feedback to staff or coworkers? We address common misconceptions so you can build a feedback culture and strengthen relationships in the process.

2.5 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Formal Performance Warning – Sample

When corrective feedback and support hasn’t led to improved employee performance, a more formal warning that clearly informs the employee that their job is in jeopardy is usually the next step. Here is an example of a formal performance warning in writing.

4 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Coaching Out – Sample Script

A coaching-out conversation is aimed at convincing an employee that continued tenure in the role doesn’t make sense and agreeing on a smooth transition plan.

6 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Firing – Sample Script

Managers often struggle to find the right words to use when letting an employee go, so here’s a sample script.

2 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Sample Progressive Discipline Policy

Progressive discipline consists of a brief series of increasingly serious warnings, culminating in dismissal if an employee fails to improve sufficiently – and lets your staff know that they won’t be fired without first knowing about your concerns.

1 min read
Resource Type
Article / publication

Common Choice Points

Here is a list of some of the most common choice points, or key decision-making opportunities, managers face that may have equity and inclusion impacts.

3.5 min read
Resource Type
Tool / Template

Herramientas para el plan de mejora del rendimiento

Un plan de mejora del rendimiento (PIP) es un plan escrito con pasos claros para ayudar a su personal a alcanzar el nivel de rendimiento esperado para su función. Este kit de herramientas incluye dos recursos: 1) una hoja de trabajo de preparación para gerentes, que puede ser útil tanto si se está preparado para un PIP formal y 2) una plantilla para un Plan de Mejora del Rendimiento por escrito que puede rellenar y compartir con su miembro del personal.

5 min read

Related Trainings

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    Investing in People and Performance

    Make staff development and retention central to your work. Learn to cultivate staff strengths, inspire accountability, and address performance problems.

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    Price
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    Giving Feedback

    Learn how to give quality feedback that strengthens relationships and leads to better results. We give you tools and time to practice.

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