Procrastination, fear, and competing priorities often get in the way of initiating conversations that inspire higher levels of performance. Delivering the uncomfortable news that an employee is not stacking up can be stressful and managers often have difficulties finding the right time and way to get their message across. Painless Performance Conversations presents actionable and practical communication and management strategies that can be used by any manager looking for ways to effectively influence employee performance. Through four key skills and a conversation model, this book offers the tangible solutions managers need to tackle critical workplace discussions with poise and professionalism as well as the tools needed to stay focused in otherwise difficult conversations. Painless Performance Conversations will inspire and guide readers to: Eliminate the pain and fear that leads to procrastination of tough workplace conversations Focus employee conversations for maximum impact on performance Crystallize expectations for what success looks like Reduce the harmful impacts of judgment in conversation Engage employees in solution-finding Create a culture of workplace accountability Lead performance-related conversations with confidence