COURSE DESCRIPTION

Solving Performance and Conduct Problems offers a framework for the Federal supervisor’s actions on employee problems, through an introduction to merit systems principles; supervisory, personnel office, and employee responsibilities; and the performance appraisal process. The course teaches how to screen and identify performance problems, and how to differentiate between performance-based and conduct problems. Supervisors are introduced to strategies which will aid them in finding solutions for employee problems. The course also offers an overview of the regulatory and procedural requirements necessary for taking formal action.

COURSE CONTENTS

Lesson 1: A Framework for Supervisory Action in the Public Sector

• The Merit Principles: A Guide for Supervisory Action
• Defining Personnel Problems
• Disciplinary or Nondisciplinary Actions
• Your Role as Supervisor
• The Personnel Office and You
• The Personnel Office and the Employee

Lesson 2: Ways of Looking at People Problems

• Common Human Factors
• Self-Interest
• Communication Barriers
• Reactions to Authority
• Resistance to Change
• Personal Problems
• Organizational Climate
• Top Management Attitudes
• Employee Selection Process
• Other Influences on the Way You Correct Employees

Lesson 3: Screening Performance Problems

• Typical Performance Problems
• What Can Cause Performance Problems
• What Goes Into Appraising Performance
• Elements
• Critical Elements
• Performance Standards
• Appraising Employee Performance

Lesson 4: Finding Solutions to Performance Problems

• Finding Solutions to Performance Problems
• Ideas on Using Solutions
• Procedural Aspects Related to Performance Appraisal Systems
• Special Performance Situations
• The Probationary Period
• Denial of Within-Grade Increases
• Where Health Issues Are Involved
• Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

Lesson 5: Solving Conduct Problems

• Who is Responsible for What?
• What Is a Conduct Deficiency?
• Areas in Which Conduct Violations May Occur
• A Strategy for Resolving Conduct Problems
• Things to do if You Become Involved in a Conduct Situation
• Procedural Aspects
• Special Conduct Issues
• Leave and Attendance
• Insubordination
• If an Order Is Questioned
• Reproofs, Warnings, Admonishments, and Reprimands About Adverse Actions
• Suspensions
• Reductions in Grade or Pay (Demotions)
• Removals
• Probationary Period
• Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
• Indebtedness
• Social Norms
• Criminal Cases

Lesson 6: Regulations and You

• Basic Principles in Taking Formal Actions
• Sound Reasons for Procedural Action
• Sufficient and Appropriate Factual Information
• A Reasonable Response
• The Total Picture
• Consistency
• Conduct Exceptions
• Some Things Supervisors Must Avoid

• Test