Train Managers in Performance Management

3. Improve supervisors' knowledge and skills in dealing with poor
performers.

Agency heads should give managers and supervisors training as needed in
performance management, including development of performance standards
and the interpersonal skills required for successful management of
performance. Agencies should give managers and supervisors support (such
as job aids or expert systems) and assistance (e.g., consultation as
needed) in improving the performance of all employees, especially the
poor performers, and in removal of employees if performance does not
improve.

Developing effective systems that are focused specifically on
performance improvement, creating a culture where high performance is
expected and recognized and poor performance dealt with effectively and
expeditiously, and ensuring that supervisors have the knowledge, skills,
and support they need to improve employee performance are expected to
enhance the efforts of supervisors to deal with poor performers.
Requiring agencies to monitor efforts to deal with poor performers and
using that information to improve systems, culture, and support for
performance improvement should help keep attention focused on this
critical issue.