SCC - HR-Learning ConnectionPositive Direction Process and Template

							         Positive Direction


               Process and Templates




                 Learning Connection
SCC Human Resources – Employee Training and Development
                   SCC Positive Direction Process and Templates
     __________________________________________________________________



Positive direction is a performance improvement strategy that uses the following
five-step process.


Step 1. Identify the problem (gap between the actual and desired performance)

Step 2. Analyze the severity of the problem (impacts and consequences)

Step 3. Discuss the problem with the employee (ask for agreement)

Step 4. Document the discussion (clear facts)

Step 5. Follow-up and monitor results (additional action based on results )




Preparation templates for each step are provided in the following pages.




Positive Direction Templates.doc                                     page 2
SCC Human Resources
                   SCC Positive Direction Process and Templates
     __________________________________________________________________

Step 1. Identify the Problem

1. Describe the performance problem.




2. What is the performance gap?
What is the desired performance?       What is the actual performance?




3. Is the employee aware that he/she is under-performing? If not, what will
be done to make him/her aware?




Positive Direction Templates.doc                                    page 3
SCC Human Resources
                   SCC Positive Direction Process and Templates
     __________________________________________________________________

Step 2. Analyze the Severity of the Problem

Describe the impact of the problem on the work team or organization.




What are the consequences for the employee if the problem is not resolved?




Are there past performance issues showing a possible pattern?




Have other causes of poor performance have been investigated?




What level of action is appropriate here – coaching or formal discussion?




Positive Direction Templates.doc                                    page 4
SCC Human Resources
                   SCC Positive Direction Process and Templates
     __________________________________________________________________

Step 3. Discuss the Problem

Part A Describe the Problem

Create a positive opening statement.


Describe the performance gap as you will to the employee.


What ideas do you have for the employee to solve their problem?

                         Hold meeting with employee
Deliver the opening statement.
Describe the performance problem.
Ask employee for an explanation of their performance and for “their
agreement” to solve the problem.

If you gain agreement, ask:
  What specifically will you do differently?




  What obstacles might prevent you from doing what you have agreed to do?




  Will you do it?




If you do not gain agreement, go to Part B Describe the Impact to the Org/Team


Positive Direction Templates.doc                                  page 5
SCC Human Resources
                   SCC Positive Direction Process and Templates
     __________________________________________________________________

Part B Describe the Impact on the Org/Team

Describe the impact of the performance on the team or organization.




If you gain agreement, ask:
  What specifically will you do differently?




  What obstacles might prevent you from doing what you have agreed to do?




  Will you do it?




If you do not gain agreement, go to Part C Describe the Consequences




Positive Direction Templates.doc                                  page 6
SCC Human Resources
                   SCC Positive Direction Process and Templates
     __________________________________________________________________

Part C Describe the Consequences to the Employee

Describe the consequences of the performance on the employee.




If you gain agreement, ask:
  What specifically will you do differently?




  What obstacles might prevent you from doing what you have agreed to do?




  Will you do it?




If you do not gain agreement, mandate performance and follow disciplinary
policy.




Positive Direction Templates.doc                                 page 7
SCC Human Resources