Episode 35: Performance Management as a Strategic Tool

A podcast for independent HR and people, professionals, and the businesses they support. Hosted by Mary Asante of HR Independents Ltd. DATE: 28h October 2024 Episode 35: Performance Management as a Strategic Tool Guest: Lucinda Carney, Founder of Actus Software and Host of HR Uprising Podcast In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante  is joined by Lucinda Carney, a trusted partner of HR Independents and a renowned expert in performance management. Lucinda shares her wealth of experience, discussing how businesses can use performance management as a strategic tool to enhance both individual and business-wide success. In this episode we cover: Demystifying Performance Management: Lucinda breaks down the buzzwords and discusses how performance management is often misunderstood, explaining why it's much more than an annual appraisal. Performance Management as a Continuous Process: Learn how ongoing conversations, clear goal-setting, and regular feedback form the backbone of an effective performance management system. Aligning Performance with Strategic Goals: Discover how performance management can ensure everyone is working towards the same business objectives and how it helps smaller businesses, in particular, to grow and mature. The Manager’s Role in Performance Management: Lucinda emphasizes the importance of equipping managers with the skills to support their teams, particularly in difficult conversations around underperformance. Overcoming Challenges: The episode also addresses common objections from leaders and managers, including the time investment required for regular performance check-ins, and how to overcome these barriers by embedding performance management into the company culture. Key Takeaways: Performance management should be a year-round, cyclical process rather than a one-time event focused solely on appraisals or bonuses. Effective performance management helps align individual goals with the overall strategic direction of the business, particularly for SMEs. Regular people-focused conversations can drive engagement, productivity, and ultimately, business success. Training managers in effective communication, coaching, and handling difficult conversations is key to making performance management work. Top Tips from Lucinda Carney: Make Performance Management a Strategic Tool: Align the process with the business's strategic goals and ensure managers are clear on expectations. Equip Managers with Skills and Confidence: Give managers the training and tools they need to carry out effective performance management. Engage Employees in the Process: Encourage employees to take ownership of their own development and performance by fostering open, two-way conversations. Thanks for listening to HR Voices! If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you could leave us a review. HR Voices Contact: [email protected] www.hrindependents.co.uk