Stop dreading performance conversations. Start owning them.
I created the Performance Coaching Planner to be a practical, step-by-step guide to help you walk into any performance coaching conversation calm, clear, and ready to lead with confidence.
Yes! Send me the free guide
Your go-to guide to prepare for conversations around performance
✔️ Identify the gap
✔️ Prepare your questions
✔️ Plan the conversation
✔️ Walk in with confidence
The Real Cost of Waiting
Avoiding a Performance Issue Isn't Neutral. It's a Choice with Consequences.
Most leaders don't avoid these conversations because they don't care — they avoid them because they don't feel prepared. And that hesitation has a price.
Your time and energy
Managing performance issues takes real effort — and the longer you wait, the bigger the problem (and the heavier the load on you).
Your leadership credibility
When the rest of your team sees you not addressing sub-standard work, they quietly wonder if standards actually matter.
Your team's trust and morale
Even one person's underperformance — left unaddressed — can slowly erode the standard and culture you've worked hard to build.
Here's what I know after 30 years of coaching managers:
"The leaders who handle these conversations well aren't tougher or more fearless — they're just more prepared."
What's Inside
A Simple Planner That Prepares You
The Performance Coaching Planner walks you through three key phases — so you're not winging it when it counts.
Understand the Gap
Get clear on the difference between what you're seeing and what you expect so you can describe it specifically, without blame.
Provide Thorough Support
Identify what your employee needs to know, what skills they might need to develop, and what tools and support you can offer them to ensure success.
Prepare for the Conversation
Plan your opening, your questions, the potential twists — and what a real "win" looks like for both of you at the end.
Hi! I'm Claire.
I've spent nearly 30 years with my sleeves rolled up, working alongside leaders who want to make a real difference. I've seen brilliant people get stuck, watched talented teams fall apart, and helped transform both by using tools and frameworks focused on creating connection, accountability and clarity.
My background is in communication and organizational development, but my real expertise comes from sitting in countless conference rooms, leading teams through the ups and downs of work life, and figuring out what actually works when the pressure is on.
I believe every leader can unleash the potential of their team- they just need the right tools, the right mindset, and someone who believes in them. That's where I come in.
How It Works
Your 4-Step Path to a More Confident Conversation
1. Download the Planner
Enter your info below and it's on its way — no hoops to jump through. Print it or fill it out digitally, whichever works best for you.
2. Define the Gap — Specifically
Use the guided questions to describe what you're seeing versus what you expect. Clear language here makes everything else easier.
3. Think Like a Coach, Not a Judge
Work through the support questions to identify what your employee actually needs — and how you can provide it. Remember: they want to succeed too.
4. Walk in Ready
With your opening prepared, your questions ready, and your goal in mind, you'll show up as the calm, connected leader your team needs.
Without a Plan
What Keeps Happening When You Wing It
Now, let's get to work
Download the free Performance Coaching Planner and walk into your next conversation with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
✓ Know exactly how to describe the performance gap
✓ Identify the right support for your specific employee
✓ Plan your questions and anticipate the curveballs
✓ Leave the meeting with a real plan in place
✓ Build trust — even in a hard conversation
ClaireLaughlin.com needs the contact information you provide to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe at anytime. See our privacy policy to learn how we protect your data.
Want more?
Check out THIS Leader Podcast
THIS Leader, the Podcast
Every episode is jam packed with helpful advice, inspiration, tools and strategies to help you BE the leader you were meant to be! From developing personal leadership effectiveness skills to managing performance and coaching, to establishing team culture and getting results, THIS Leader is like your personal coach and cheerleader. Listen now on Apple and Spotify!
More on THIS Leader the Podcast