Overview
Managing behaviour, performance and attendance issues is one of the most challenging parts of being a manager. Many managers avoid difficult conversations for too long, worry about saying the wrong thing, or find themselves firefighting problems that have escalated unnecessarily. At the same time, employees need clarity, fairness and consistency in how concerns are addressed. Getting this wrong can damage morale, reduce team performance and expose organisations to unnecessary risk.
This practical half-day course is designed to help managers address conduct, capability and absence issues confidently, fairly and consistently. Participants will explore how to recognise the difference between behavioural and performance concerns, understand the causes behind common workplace issues, and learn practical approaches to managing conversations early and effectively. The session will also clarify when informal management is appropriate, when formal processes may be needed, and how to support individuals while maintaining accountability and standards.
Learning Outcomes:
- To understand the difference between conduct, capability and absence issues
- To develop confidence in holding effective and constructive management conversations
- To understand how to address concerns fairly, consistently and proportionately
- To recognise when informal approaches are appropriate and when formal processes may be required
- To build practical approaches to improving behaviour, performance and attendance
Agenda
9:30
Welcome and Introductions
- Overview of the day, objectives, and format
9:45
Understanding People Issues
- Conduct, capability and absence – what’s the difference?
- Recognising causes, patterns and early warning signs
- The manager’s role in addressing issues early
10:50
Break
11:10
Managing behaviour, Performance and Absence
- Addressing conduct concerns constructively
- Supporting and improving performance capability
- Managing absence fairly and consistently
- Difficult conversations and maintaining accountability
12:15
Review of session
- Questions
- Next steps
Get In Touch
Course Director
Gary Cookson
Trainer
Gary is a father of four and a husband of one, running a successful business, EPIC, in his spare time. He’s an expert on work and workplace performance, with extensive experience leading and directing HR, OD and L&D functions across all sectors. His clients like working with him as he is authentic, honest, knowledgeable, communicative and people focused, with a broad and deep range of skills and experience –a glance at his prolific social media output will verify this.
Gary is a leading expert in the design and delivery of leadership, management and HR/L&D programmes, as well as an inspiring and entertaining keynote speaker. He has been recognised in the HR Most Influential awards, written for publications worldwide and spoken at global events.
He is a multi-published author and one of the worlds’ leading thinkers on the modern world of work. He is in regular demand with clients and conference organisers worldwide as a result, speaking on these topics plus leadership, management and various HR/L&D issues.