Principles of Performance Management Training

Course content

1The Course Structure

Module one gives you a brief overview of what you’ll be learning and explains the purpose of the course, as well as summarising the benefits to individuals, management and organisations as a whole.

2Definition and Benefits

3Successful Performance Management Planning

In this module, you’ll explore how to plan and implement an effective performance management system, including aligning organisational strategy, values, and long-term goals with individual and team objectives.

The module explains the importance of clear job descriptions, defined accountabilities, and measurable outcomes, as well as the development of individual performance plans that link employee targets to wider organisational goals. It also looks at establishing effective two-way communication, ongoing performance monitoring, and regular feedback to support employee development and address skills gaps through training and coaching.

You’ll also learn about different approaches to managing poor performance, rewarding high performers, and ensuring performance reviews are structured, consistent, and supported by senior management. Finally, you’ll consider how to manage resistance to change and the importance of planning, testing, and using reliable systems to support long-term performance management success.

4Setting Goals, Objectives and Targets

In this module, you will explore how to set effective performance management goals, objectives, and targets that align with organisational strategy and long-term business planning.

You’ll find out about the importance of defining clear five-year goals and intermediate objectives, supported by realistic benchmarks, timescales, and performance measures. The module explains how organisational goals should be translated into departmental and individual targets to ensure alignment, accountability, and a clear focus on outcomes rather than activities. It also highlights the importance of ongoing communication, feedback, and monitoring to track progress and support continuous improvement.

Finally, you will consider how to embed a high-performance culture by ensuring employees understand organisational direction, encouraging collaboration, and using performance data to identify best practice and drive improvement.

5Implementation

In this module, you will explore how to implement a performance management system once goals, objectives, and performance plans have been established.

You’ll learn about how implementation involves creating the right conditions for improved performance by considering key factors such as employee ability, clarity of expectations, motivation, and the working environment. The module also highlights the importance of tailoring management approaches for different performance levels, including high performers, average performers, and those who may be underperforming, with a focus on identifying barriers, providing support, and clarifying role expectations.

At team level, you’ll consider how performance is influenced by similar factors alongside the impact of team synergy, as well as the importance of a positive working environment in supporting both individual and team performance. This module also reinforces the role of managers in removing obstacles and ensuring employees are supported to achieve expected outcomes.

6Motivation

In this module, you’ll explore the role of motivation in performance management and how high levels of motivation contribute to improved employee performance, engagement, and productivity.

You’ll learn about how managers can support motivation by helping employees reach their potential and by creating a positive, cooperative working environment through clear communication, fair decision-making, training, team building, and recognition of achievement.

You’ll also consider a range of approaches to maintaining motivation, including development opportunities, performance reviews, behavioural initiatives, and structured reward systems. This module highlights the importance of ensuring employees understand expectations, have access to the necessary skills training and support, and feel aligned with organisational goals, leading to increased loyalty and a willingness to contribute beyond minimum requirements.

7Evaluation, Monitoring, Feedback and Coaching