Effectively managing under-performing employees is a critical skill for any manager or supervisor. This webinar equips you with proven strategies to address performance issues constructively while protecting your organization from potential legal risks. You’ll learn how identify the root causes of poor performance, implement practical improvement plans, and document actions in a way that is clear, consistent, and defensible. Whether you’re navigating a difficult conversation or preparing for a performance review, this session provides the tools and confidence you need to handle these challenges professionally and effectively.
Learning Objectives:-
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
Identify early warning signs of underperformance and assess their impact on the team and organization.
Develop a structured approach to address performance issues, including setting clear expectations and goals.
Conduct difficult conversations with employees and discuss performance concerns constructively.
Document performance issues and related actions in a legally compliant and professional manner.
Recognize common legal pitfalls and implement strategies to minimize organizational risk.
Build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the workplace.
Areas Covered in the Session:-
Understanding Under-Performance
Defining underperformance and its impact on the workplace
Common causes and contributing factors
Identifying patterns and early warning signs
Preparing for the Conversation
Gathering data and evidence of underperformance
Setting objectives for the discussion
Creating a supportive and solution-focused environment
Conducting Difficult Conversations
Effective communication techniques for addressing performance issues
Managing employee reactions and resistance
Building mutual understanding and setting expectations
Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)
Key components of a successful PIP
Setting measurable goals and timelines
Monitoring progress and providing ongoing feedback
Documenting Performance Issues
Best practices for accurate and objective documentation
Legal considerations and compliance requirements
Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Understanding employee rights and employer responsibilities
Avoiding discrimination and retaliation claims
When and how to involve HR or legal counsel
Fostering a Culture of Accountability
Encouraging continuous improvement and professional growth
Recognizing and rewarding positive changes
Preventing underperformance through proactive management
Case studies and real-world scenarios
Role-playing exercises for conducting conversations
Q&A session addresses specific challenges and questions
Who Will Benefit?
This webinar is designed for managers, supervisors, and HR professionals seeking actionable strategies to handle underperformance effectively while maintaining a fair and supportive workplace.
Speaker
Chris DeVany
Chris DeVany is the founder and president of Pinnacle Performance Improvement Worldwide, a firm that focuses on management and organization development. Pinnacle’s clients include global organizations such as Visa International, Caden... Chris DeVany is the founder and president of Pinnacle Performance Improvement Worldwide, a firm that focuses on management and organization development. Pinnacle’s clients include global organizations such as Visa International, Cadence Design Systems, Coca-Cola, Sprint, Microsoft, Aviva Insurance, Schlumberger, and over 500 other organizations in 22 countries. He also has consulted with government agencies from the United States, the Royal Government of Saudi Arabia, Canada, the Cayman Islands, and the United Kingdom. He has published numerous articles in the fields of surviving mergers and acquisitions, surviving change, project management, management, sales, team-building, leadership, ethics, customer service, diversity, and work-life balance, in publications ranging from ASTD/Performance In Practice to Customer Service Management. His book, “90 Days to a High-Performance Team”, published by McGraw Hill and often accompanied by in-person, facilitated instruction, has helped and continues to help thousands of executives, managers, and team leaders improve performance.
He has appeared hundreds of times on radio and television interview programs to discuss mergers and acquisitions (how to manage and survive them), project management, sales, customer service, effective workplace communication, management, handling rapid personal and organizational change, and other topical business issues. He has served or is currently serving as a board member of the International Association of Facilitators, Sales and Marketing Executives International, American Management Association, American Society of Training and Development, Institute of Management Consultants, American Society of Association Executives, Meeting Professionals International, and National Speakers Association. Chris is an award-winning Toastmasters International Competition speaker.
He recently participated in the Fortune 500 Annual Management Forum as a speaker, panelist, and seminar leader. Chris has distinguished himself professionally by serving multiple corporations as a manager and trainer of sales, operations, project management, IT, customer service, and marketing professionals. Included among those business leaders are Prudential Insurance, Sprint, BayBank (now part of Bank of America), US Health Care, and Marriott Corporation. He has assisted these organizations in mergers and acquisitions, facilitating post-merger and acquisition integration, developing project management, sales, customer service, and marketing strategies, organizing inbound and outbound call center programs, training and developing management and new hires, and fostering corporate growth through creative change and innovation initiatives. Chris holds degrees in management studies and organizational behavior from Boston University. He has traveled to 22 countries and 47 states throughout his career.