Leadership & Management

Performance Conversations That Work

Annual reviews often disappoint both managers and employees. This course teaches managers to hold regular, honest and motivating performance conversations: setting expectations, giving evidence-based feedback, discussing under-performance, recognising strong performance and agreeing development actions that people follow through.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Performance improves through good conversations, not forms. You will learn practical techniques to make every performance discussion count.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Conversation models, intensive role plays with feedback, case examples and preparation templates.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Prepare effective performance conversations
Set clear, measurable expectations
Give balanced, evidence-based feedback
Address under-performance constructively
Recognise and stretch high performers
Agree and follow up development actions

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Line managers and supervisors
Team leaders
Department heads
HR business partners
New managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Feedback
Goal setting
Difficult conversations
Recognition
Development planning

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Performance Management Basics

09:00–10:08Purpose of performance conversations
10:08–11:00Common pitfalls
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Common pitfalls (continued)
11:45–12:53Continuous feedback
12:53–14:00Exercise: current practice review

Day 2Setting Expectations

09:00–10:08SMART goals and standards
10:08–11:00Behavioural expectations
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Behavioural expectations (continued)
11:45–12:53Agreeing measures
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Feedback Skills

09:00–10:08Evidence-based feedback
10:08–11:00Positive and developmental feedback
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Positive and developmental feedback (continued)
11:45–12:53Receiving feedback
12:53–14:00Practice rounds

Day 4Under-Performance

09:00–10:08Diagnosing causes
10:08–11:00Improvement plans
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Improvement plans (continued)
11:45–12:53Documenting fairly
12:53–14:00Role plays

Day 5Development and Recognition

09:00–10:08Recognising strong performance
10:08–11:00Career conversations
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Career conversations (continued)
11:45–12:53Follow-up routines
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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