This intensive course will consist of one brief introductory session followed by 5 days. The course will provide students with an opportunity to reflect upon and improve their management of people in public organisations. Performance management occurs at multiple levels: organisational, inter-personal and personal. The context for performance is critical but we can often make the most profound differences at the personal level. Day 1 will focus on performance and performance management. What is performance in public organisations? Why should we manage it? Are there models of best practice for public organisations?  What are your experiences? Day 2 will explore employee motivation from a variety of perspectives. To what extent can a manager motivate an employee in a public organisation? What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and what role might rewards play in motivating people?  How can goal-setting be used effectively? Day 3 will examine the critical importance of effective conversations in public management. We will explore and practice having effective conversations even when they are inter-personally challenging. Day 4 will focus on the personal, self-regulatory factors in performance, with a particular emphasis on the key issues of emotional intelligence, stress management and time management. Day 5 will be designed during the course in response to the needs of the class but will most likely include consideration of issues of power and influence and organisational change towards creating learning organisations focused on continuous improvement.  During class, students can expect to be called on to discuss readings, participate in class exercises, and report on progress on their assignments.

At the end of this course, students who participate actively in the course should be able to:

• Critically discuss the meaning of ‘performance’ in different public organisational contexts.
• Critically evaluate the likely effectiveness of different approaches to the management of individual performance in context.
• More effectively communicate to increase learning, trust, respect and motivation.
• Reflect upon their approach to managing their own performance, particularly under stress.

Apply people management theories and concepts to their own people management challenges including motivating people. 

The course is delivered in intensive mode, in three sessions of two days each (see Policy and Governance timetable for details).

Delivery Mode:

Intensive/on campus