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Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues

Kris Plachy

If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there. One of the most important roles of a manager is to ensure everyone knows the destination. The most effective managers set expectations and assess their employees’ performance against those expectations, and take a coaching approach to helping them get to the destination. That’s exactly what you’ll learn to do in this course!

You will explore how to collaboratively develop expectations with those you lead. When you encounter expectations that are not being met, you’ll learn how to use "Coaching Algebra" to determine the underlying issues that are impeding performance, and how to respond as a manger-coach.

We look forward to you joining us as we explore these essential coaching topics!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview & Designing Performance Expectations

This module provides an overview of the entire course and then moves into talking about performance expectations. We'll discuss the three primary constructs of performance: process, people, and practice, learn what elements make effective mission and vision statements, and begin talking about creating effective performance expectations for your team members. You will also learn how to define clear expectations for team members and compare expectations and standards.

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Explores foundational leadership concepts, making it suitable for beginners with little exposure to management

Explores the concept of performance expectations and how to develop them, addressing a practical managerial need

Utilizes the 'Coaching Algebra' method for diagnosing and addressing performance gaps, which is an uncommon approach

Imparts skills that are immediately applicable in work environments, addressing a need for practical application

Requires learners to have some managerial experience, making it more suitable for mid-level managers

Does not cover advanced management concepts, such as strategic planning or talent development

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Reviews summary

Managerial skills: expectations & performance

According to students, this course offers a practical and structured approach highly relevant for managers looking to improve team performance. Learners particularly highlight the clear framework for setting expectations and the introduction of the "Coaching Algebra" model as valuable tools for diagnosing and addressing performance gaps. While the course is generally well-received for its actionable insights, some reviewers suggest that learners with significant prior experience in performance management might find certain sections cover familiar territory.

Helps in defining clear goals and standards.

"The course clearly explained how to define expectations, linking process, people, and practice."

"Setting clear expectations is foundational, and this course laid out a solid method."

"Defining KPIs and aligning them with individual goals was very well explained."

"I now have a much better understanding of how to set measurable and clear expectations for my team members."

A unique and effective model for diagnosis.

"The "Coaching Algebra" section was particularly insightful and gave me a new way to think about performance issues."

"I found the Coaching Algebra tool very helpful for breaking down performance problems."

"Understanding Coaching Algebra provided a clear framework for diagnosing root causes."

"The model presented for analyzing performance gaps is powerful and easy to understand."

Provides tools and strategies for immediate use.

"I can immediately apply the strategies discussed in this course to my team."

"The content provided practical tools that I could implement right away in my role as a manager."

"Learned actionable steps for setting clearer expectations."

"This course gave me concrete techniques for coaching my employees."

May cover familiar ground for experienced managers.

"Some parts felt like a review if you've already had management training, but the models were new."

"For someone new to management, this is excellent. With years of experience, some concepts were basic."

"While the specific models were new, the initial modules on expectations felt introductory."

"Wish there was a bit more depth on handling particularly complex or resistant performance issues."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues with these activities:

Watch videos on coaching techniques

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Expand your knowledge of coaching techniques by watching videos from experts in the field.

Browse courses on Coaching

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Search for videos on coaching techniques.
Watch the videos and take notes on key concepts.

Read 'Coaching and Mentoring for Performance'

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Get a head start on learning about coaching and mentoring techniques that will be covered in this course.

View The Best Team Wins on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book.
Take notes on key concepts.

Attend a coaching workshop

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Accelerate your learning by attending a workshop led by an experienced coach.

Browse courses on Coaching

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Research coaching workshops in your area.
Select a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.

Five other activities

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Role-play common coaching scenarios

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Develop your coaching skills by practicing in a safe and supportive environment.

Browse courses on Coaching

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Identify a common coaching scenario.
Role-play the scenario with a partner.
Debrief the role-play and identify areas for improvement.

Develop a Performance Improvement Plan

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Put your learning into practice by creating a plan to improve your own performance or the performance of a team member.

Browse courses on Performance Management

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Identify an area for improvement.
Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.
Develop a plan of action to achieve your goals.
Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Write a blog post about a coaching experience

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Reflect on your own experiences as a coach or mentee and share your insights with others.

Browse courses on Coaching

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Choose a specific coaching experience to write about.
Identify the key lessons you learned from the experience.
Write a blog post sharing your insights and lessons learned.

Volunteer as a coach or mentor

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Gain practical experience and make a meaningful contribution by volunteering your coaching skills.

Browse courses on Coaching

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Identify organizations that offer coaching or mentoring opportunities.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Complete the necessary training and background checks.
Start volunteering and providing coaching or mentoring services.

Design and deliver a training program on coaching

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Demonstrate your mastery of coaching principles by creating and delivering a training program for others.

Browse courses on Coaching

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Identify the target audience for your training program.
Develop the learning objectives for your training program.
Create the content for your training program.
Deliver your training program.
Evaluate the effectiveness of your training program.

Career center

Learners who complete Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Performance Improvement Manager

Performance Improvement Managers work with organizations to improve the performance of their employees. They identify areas where employees need to improve and develop plans to help them reach their goals. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may help Performance Improvement Managers to better prepare themselves for this role by teaching them how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Performance Improvement Manager

Human Capital Manager

Human Capital Managers oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of talent within an organization. They work with leaders to identify and develop high-potential employees, and they create programs and initiatives to help employees reach their full potential. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Human Capital Managers because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Capital Manager

Talent Manager

Talent Managers oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of talent within an organization. They work with leaders to identify and develop high-potential employees, and they create programs and initiatives to help employees reach their full potential. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Talent Managers because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Manager

Performance Analyst

Performance Analysts collect and analyze data to assess the performance of an organization or its employees. They use this data to identify areas for improvement and develop recommendations for change. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Performance Analysts because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Performance Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance by analyzing their operations and recommending changes. To do this successfully requires a clear oversight of the company's goals, their current practices, and relevant performance metrics. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may help Management Consultants to set clear expectations, assess performance, and provide feedback to their clients. This course will also help them to understand the importance of creating a positive and supportive work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Employee Relations Manager

Employee Relations Managers oversee employee relations within an organization. They work with leaders to develop and implement policies and procedures that create a positive and productive work environment. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Employee Relations Managers because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Relations Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with employees to ensure that the organization's goals are met. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Operations Managers because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with organizations to analyze their business processes and identify areas for improvement. They use this information to develop recommendations for change that can improve the organization's performance. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Business Analysts because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. They work with team members to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Project Managers because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for team members, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resource Managers oversee activities and policies relating to employees and their work life. They must understand staff concerns, create amicable work environments, and build productive workplace cultures. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may help Human Resource Managers to better prepare themselves for this role by teaching them how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive. This course will also help them to understand the importance of creating a positive and supportive work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Training and Development Manager

Training and Development Managers oversee the development and implementation of training programs for employees. They work with leaders to identify training needs and develop programs that meet those needs. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Training and Development Managers because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager

Team Leader

Team Leaders oversee the day-to-day operations of a team. They work with team members to ensure that the team's goals are met. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Team Leaders because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for team members, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Team Leader

Organizational Development Consultant

Organizational Development Consultants work with organizations to improve their performance by focusing on the people side of the business. They work with leaders to develop and implement strategies that improve employee motivation, engagement, and productivity. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Organizational Development Consultants because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Consultant

Organizational Psychologist

Organizational Psychologists help organizations to improve their performance by focusing on the people side of the business. They work with leaders to develop and implement strategies that improve employee motivation, engagement, and productivity. The course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to Organizational Psychologists because it will help them to better understand how to set clear expectations for employees, assess their performance, and provide feedback in a way that is both motivating and constructive.

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Career Counselor

Career Counselors advise students and clients on making sound career choices in the face of educational and career obstacles. One who wishes to be successful as a Career Counselor should have a keen understanding of roles, industries, and educational pathways in order to effectively help guide their clients' decisions. To this end, the course "Defining Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues" may be useful to this role by helping the Career Counselor understand how to set expectations and assess performance with their clients. This course may also help them to understand the motivations and goals of their clients, and provide them with tools to help their clients reach their full potential.

See salaries and explore the career path for Career Counselor

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues.

Crucial Conversations Skills

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Provides tools and techniques for having difficult conversations. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills.

Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Managerial skills: expectations & performance

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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