Language reference

Here are some examples of the language you can use to communicate more effectively about performance.

Focusing on the potential of others

• What do you see as your greatest talent?
• What is your next step?
• How interesting would my department/project be for you?

Defining the scope of performance

• What do you see as your core role(s)?
• In which other areas would you like to perform?
• This activity is not the best use of your skills because…

Aligning tasks and people

• How motivating is your current role for you?
• What are your biggest drivers at work?
• So, how can we shape the role to be a better fit for you?

Supporting to enable

• What support do you need at the moment from me?
• Can I give you some feedback that I think is important for you?
• How can we develop your skills for future challenges?

Earning the right to demand accountability

• So, can you tell me why you did this / didn’t do this?
• What could you have done differently?
• So, can we agree that in the future, you will… ?

Talking and walking together

• Sorry if I didn’t explain that clearly. I know I go too quickly sometimes.
• So, what’s the best way for us to ensure high performance?
• So, what can we change to enable you to perform better?

Celebrating success

• I think your work on this was excellent. Thank you (all) very much.
• You really helped us / the team to…
• To recognize your work, I propose that…