Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/coaching-expectations-performance

Introduction

**Course Review: Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues on Coursera** If you’re a manager looking to enhance your leadership skills, the Coursera course “Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues” is a must-have addition to your professional development toolkit. Designed for current and aspiring managers, this course dives deep into the essential components of effective team management, particularly the importance of setting clear expectations and assessing performance in a constructive manner. **Course Overview** This course starts with an empowering perspective that resonates with any leadership philosophy: "If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.” It emphasizes the crucial role managers play in guiding their teams toward shared goals. Effective management is not just about overseeing tasks; it’s about creating an environment where team members know their roles and how they contribute to the greater vision of the organization. The course is structured into four key modules that cover vital aspects of performance management: 1. **Course Overview & Designing Performance Expectations**: In this foundational module, learners are introduced to the core concepts of performance management. You will gain insights into the three pillars of performance: process, people, and practice. The emphasis is on creating effective mission and vision statements and how to articulate clear expectations that drive team success. This part of the course lays the groundwork for developing a strong management framework. 2. **Key Performance Indicators and Accountability**: Here, you will delve into aligning key performance indicators (KPIs) with individual goals. This module is not just theoretical; it provides practical tactics for having accountability conversations with your team. You’ll explore how to define accountability properly and learn strategies to keep team members engaged and responsible for their contributions. It’s a critical piece that helps managers balance expectations with results. 3. **Diagnosing and Addressing Performance Gaps**: The ability to identify and bridge performance gaps can distinguish a good manager from a great one. This module introduces “Coaching Algebra,” a method designed to help you systematically address skill and mindset discrepancies within your team. It equips you with actionable coaching strategies that foster personal and professional growth for team members, making it easier to turn challenges into opportunities for development. 4. **Specialization Milestone 1: Define Your Coaching Philosophy**: The course culminates in a reflective exercise where you define your own coaching philosophy based on everything you’ve learned. This significant milestone not only reinforces your understanding but also compels you to contemplate your leadership style and how you plan to apply the concepts in real-world scenarios. **Why Recommend This Course?** This course is particularly beneficial for those stepping into managerial roles or those looking to refine their existing management skills. It emphasizes collaborative expectation-setting, which helps cultivate a sense of ownership among team members. The inclusion of a practical framework for accountability and performance assessment prepares you to encounter and address potential challenges proactively. Additionally, the course is structured professionally, with each module building upon the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. The balance of theory and application is handled superbly, allowing for an engaging and insightful approach to developing your management skills. **Conclusion** Whether you’re managing a small team or leading an entire department, the skills learned in “Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues” will enhance your ability to lead effectively and efficiently. By the end of this course, you’ll feel more equipped to define clear expectations, implement KPIs, support your team through performance gaps, and reflect on your coaching philosophy. I highly recommend this course for anyone serious about becoming a more effective leader. The tools and insights provided here will not only benefit your personal growth but will also enhance your team's performance and engagement, establishing a more fruitful workplace culture. Don’t hesitate to enroll and take the first step toward managerial excellence!

Syllabus

Course Overview & Designing Performance Expectations

This module provides an overview of the entire course and then moves into talking about performance expectations. We'll discuss the three primary constructs of performance: process, people, and practice, learn what elements make effective mission and vision statements, and begin talking about creating effective performance expectations for your team members. You will also learn how to define clear expectations for team members and compare expectations and standards.

We now have a fundamental understanding of drivers and expectations for organizations, teams, and individuals. It's now time to turn to the subject of accountability. We'll begin by discussing key performance indicators or KPIs, how to align KPIs with individual goals and commitments, and end by defining what is meant by accountability along with some strategies to employ when having accountability conversations with employees.

In this module you will learn how to detect and resolve performance gaps for members of your teams. You'll learn about a process called "Coaching Algebra," and explore some effective strategies for coaching both skill set and mindset performance gaps.

In the final module of this course, you are going to complete your first specialization milestone by defining your own coaching philosophy. This will allow you to reflect on everything you've learned in these first 2 courses and determine, for yourself, your approach to coaching your employees.