Define Potential Presents
Managing Underperformance
Course Overview
Feedback from supervisors consistently identifies managing underperformance as a significant challenge. This course explores the causes of underperformance and provides practical guidance in how to identify and manage it, including leading underperformance conversations and developing and implementing improvement plans.
Course Details
- Wednesday 3rd June 2026
- Online
- 6 Hours
- Mid-level leaders
Course Outline
Session 1
Welcome and Introduction
- Overview of the day
Session 2
Root Causes of Performance Shortfalls
- Motivation and engagement
- Atypical and entrenched behaviour
Session 3
Addressing Behavioural Underperformance
- A structured approach for leading conversations about behaviour
- Case studies
Session 4
Effective Performance Improvement Plans
- When to develop and implement an improvement plan
- Clear goals, checkpoints and buy-in
Session 5
Supporting and Monitoring an Improvement Plan
- Coaching and mentoring underperforming staff
- ‘Managing and Developing People’ – keeping the primary purpose front of mind
- When and how to escalate the process to disciplinary action
Session 6
Underperformance and Hybrid Work Environments
- Discussion – what needs to be adjusted for remote working situations?
Session 7
Action Planning
- Self-reflection
- Action planning for self, team and others
Key Learning Objectives
Identify underperformance and root causes of performance shortfalls
Develop approaches to address underperformance constructively
Understand differences in underperformance situations – atypical as compared to entrenched
Practice structuring and leading an underperformance discussion
“You cannot lead others until you first lead yourself.”
- John C Maxwell