{"id":49149,"date":"2025-03-25T19:30:12","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T02:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/?p=49149"},"modified":"2025-07-28T13:35:27","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T20:35:27","slug":"struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/","title":{"rendered":"Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/carolyn.jpg” custom_margin=”||91px|||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”223px|0px|91px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”72″ text_line_height=”1.1em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”620px” custom_margin=”45px||24px|-69px” custom_padding=”0px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”52″ text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-88px|||||” custom_padding=”3px|0px|24.6719px|0px||” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Carolyn-Mozell-Photo-blue-dress.jpg” title_text=”Carolyn Mozell Photo – blue dress” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||5px|||” animation=”off” sticky=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#02b875″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.2em” header_text_color=”#000000″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]CAROLYN O. MOZELL<\/a><\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||on||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”16″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”10px||60px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Carolyn Mozell is the founder and CEO of Leaders Who Connect and Inspire LLC and knows firsthand how transformative it can be when leaders and employees treat each other with mutual respect, kindness, and a genuine desire to see each other succeed.\u00a0\u00a0Carolyn served in some of the highest levels of local government leadership for over 25 years. Rising from executive assistant to deputy chief, she also knows that leadership is a privilege. Now, Carolyn leverages her direct experience advising elected officials, cabinet level leaders and activating diverse high performing teams to help leaders in business, nonprofit organizations and government agencies do the same.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.5em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”720px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”||14px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be real\u2014performance management isn\u2019t easy. If you\u2019ve ever struggled with giving tough feedback, keeping your team motivated, or dealing with underperformance, you\u2019re not alone. A lot of managers dread these conversations because they don\u2019t want to come across as too harsh\u2026 or too soft.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the thing: Performance management isn\u2019t about catching people doing something wrong\u2014it\u2019s about helping them do their best work. And if you approach it with the right mindset, it becomes less about stress and more about leadership.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve worked with leaders at every level across mission-driven organizations, nonprofits and government agencies, and I\u2019ve seen firsthand what works when it comes to getting the best out of people. Here\u2019s what I\u2019ve learned.<\/p>\n

Be Clear About What Success Looks Like<\/h4>\n

A lot of performance issues come from one simple problem: people aren\u2019t clear on what\u2019s expected of them. If you\u2019re not crystal clear about what success looks like, your team is left guessing\u2014and that\u2019s when things fall through the cracks.<\/p>\n

Take for example, a nonprofit program manager who got frustrated about her team constantly missing deadlines. Instead of just reminding them to \u201cstay on top of things,\u201d she reframed it:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Instead of “We need reports on time,”<\/em> she said, “Getting these reports in by Friday means we can secure funding that keeps our programs running.”<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The team understood the bigger picture, and deadlines started getting met.<\/p>\n

    What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Be specific about what success looks like. Don\u2019t just say \u201cdo a good job\u201d<\/em>\u2014define it.<\/li>\n
    • Connect their work to the bigger picture. When people understand why<\/em> their work matters, they care more.<\/li>\n
    • Check for understanding. Ask, \u201cWhat do you think the priority is here?\u201d<\/em> to make sure they\u2019re on the same page.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Feedback Should Coach, Not Criticize<\/h4>\n

      Giving feedback can feel uncomfortable, but avoiding it just leads to bigger problems down the line. The trick is to shift your mindset from \u201ccalling out mistakes\u201d to \u201ccoaching for success.\u201d<\/p>\n

      Take for example, a government agency leader having an employee whose reports were full of errors. Instead of saying, “You keep messing this up,”<\/em> she can approach it differently:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • “I\u2019ve noticed some inconsistencies in the last few reports. Let\u2019s look at how we can make this process smoother\u2014what would help you catch these before submitting?”<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        This conversation turns into a problem-solving session instead of a blame game.<\/p>\n

        What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Use SBI feedback (Situation-Behavior-Impact), a tool developed by The Center for Creative Leadership. “In last week\u2019s report, I noticed some errors, which delayed processing. What can we adjust?”<\/em><\/li>\n
        • Make it about improvement, not judgment. Ask, “What do you think would help you improve this?”<\/em><\/li>\n
        • Keep it ongoing. Feedback isn\u2019t a once-a-year thing\u2014it should be part of regular check-ins.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Create a Safe Space for Honest Conversations<\/h4>\n

          If your team isn\u2019t opening up about challenges, they might not feel safe to do so. A lot of managers don\u2019t realize that their employees might be holding back because they fear judgment.<\/p>\n

          Take for example, a nonprofit leader that noticed her team wasn\u2019t speaking up in meetings. Instead of assuming they didn\u2019t care, she made a simple change:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • She started meetings with \u201cWhat\u2019s getting in your way?\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n
          • When mistakes happened, she said, \u201cWhat can we learn from this?\u201d<\/em> instead of \u201cWhy did this happen?\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Over time, people started being honest, and they tackled problems together.<\/p>\n

            What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Ask open-ended questions<\/strong> like \u201cWhat\u2019s challenging you right now?\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n
            • Respond with curiosity, not judgment.<\/strong> If someone struggles, ask, \u201cWhat do you need to be successful?\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n
            • Show vulnerability. Admit when you make mistakes\u2014it makes it easier for your team to do the same.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#f7f7f4″ min_height=”721px” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” column_padding_mobile=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” make_fullwidth=”on” custom_width_px=”680px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-2.jpg” alt=”A woman with curly hair is presenting to her team of three colleagues at a table. She stands by a whiteboard filled with graphs and notes. The room features large windows and modern decor, including teal pendant lights, laptops, and water bottles on the table.” title_text=”A woman with curly hair is presenting to her team of three colleagues at a table. She stands by a whiteboard filled with graphs and notes. The room features large windows and modern decor, including teal pendant lights, laptops, and water bottles on the table.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ custom_margin=”-39px|||||” animation=”off” sticky=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#efefe9″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/3-1.jpg” alt=”Four team members in business attire are in a modern office. Two are seated at a table with a laptop open, actively discussing something. The others stand nearby, smiling and clapping, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and teamwork.” title_text=”Four team members in business attire are in a modern office. Two are seated at a table with a laptop open, actively discussing something. The others stand nearby, smiling and clapping, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and teamwork.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ custom_margin=”-40px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation=”off” sticky=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#818178″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”10.8%|10%||10%||” custom_margin_tablet=”0.7%|10%||10%||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

              A lot of managers don\u2019t realize that their employees might be holding back because they fear judgment.<\/p>\n

              [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#888888″ text_font_size=”12″ text_letter_spacing=”2px” text_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||20%|” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|||” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]CAROLYN O. MOZELL
              \n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_padding=”20px||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”9px||0px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”-142px||0px|||” custom_margin_phone=”-75px||0px|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

              Use Emotional Intelligence in Tough Conversations<\/h4>\n

              Performance conversations can be tricky, especially if an employee is struggling. Instead of assuming laziness or lack of effort, lead with curiosity and empathy.<\/p>\n

              Take for example, a nonprofit exec who had an employee who was slipping on deadlines. Instead of jumping straight to discipline, she asked:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • “I\u2019ve noticed you\u2019ve been missing a few deadlines\u2014what\u2019s going on?”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Turns out, the employee was dealing with personal challenges and didn\u2019t know how to ask for support. Together, they built a realistic performance plan instead of just handing down consequences.<\/p>\n

                What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Pause before reacting. Instead of assuming, ask, \u201cCan you tell me more about what\u2019s happening?\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n
                • Listen first. Sometimes, an underperformance issue has a deeper root cause.<\/li>\n
                • Offer solutions, not just critique. Ask, \u201cHow can we make this work better for you?\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Develop Leaders, Not Just Task-Doers<\/h4>\n

                  If you\u2019re constantly having to push your team to perform, it might be because they don\u2019t feel empowered to take ownership. The best managers don\u2019t just delegate tasks\u2014they develop leaders.<\/p>\n

                  For example, a manager noticed her team lacked initiative. Instead of micromanaging, she started coaching them to think like leaders.<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Instead of saying, “Do this,”<\/em> she asked, “How would you handle this?”<\/em><\/li>\n
                  • She delegated decisions, not just tasks.<\/li>\n
                  • She recognized and rewarded team members who took ownership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Ask your team for input on decisions, not just status updates.<\/li>\n
                    • Give them ownership over projects so they feel responsible for the outcome.<\/li>\n
                    • Celebrate initiative. When someone steps up, acknowledge it publicly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      The Bottom Line: Lead, Don\u2019t Just Manage<\/h4>\n

                      Performance management isn\u2019t about policing employees\u2014it\u2019s about guiding them to success. When you focus on clarity, coaching, psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and empowerment, you create a team that\u2019s motivated, accountable, and growing.<\/p>\n

                      If you\u2019ve been struggling, start with these:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Be clear about expectations<\/strong>\u2014people can\u2019t meet expectations they don\u2019t understand.<\/li>\n
                      • Give feedback as a coach, not a critic<\/strong>\u2014help them get better, not just point out mistakes.<\/li>\n
                      • Make it safe to be honest<\/strong>\u2014trust builds better performance.
                        Use emotional intelligence<\/strong>\u2014understand the \u201cwhy\u201d behind performance struggles.<\/li>\n
                      • Develop leaders, not just workers<\/strong>\u2014empower your team to think and act with ownership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Performance management doesn\u2019t have to feel like a chore. With the right mindset and approach, it can actually become one of your most impactful leadership tools. As leaders, we all want to give feedback that sticks and helps our teams grow, but it starts with understanding how our communication style, biases, and emotional intelligence shape those conversations. When we lead with awareness and empathy, we move from simply pointing out mistakes to coaching our team toward success.<\/p>\n

                        What\u2019s one small shift you can make today to improve how you manage performance?<\/p>\n

                        [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”520.5px” custom_margin=”-17px||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|24.625px|0px||” global_module=”37900″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_padding_mobile=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”780px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|73.90625px|0px” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”780px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”36″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||70px|” text_font_size_tablet=”26″ text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

                        Want new articles before they get published? Subscribe to our Awesome Newsletter.<\/p>\n

                        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_signup provider=”constant_contact” constant_contact_list=”mhurwitz321|2103394019″ layout=”bottom_top” first_name_fullwidth=”off” last_name_field=”off” email_fullwidth=”off” success_message=”Thank you for subscribing!” button_text=”Submit” use_spam_service=”on” recaptcha_list=”CIG|CIG-0″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” form_field_background_color=”#ffffff” form_field_text_color=”#000000″ form_field_custom_margin=”1px||1px||false|false” form_field_custom_padding=”12px|12px|12px|12px|false|false” result_message_text_color=”#0C71C3″ result_message_font_size=”25px” result_message_letter_spacing=”1px” result_message_line_height=”1.1em” form_field_text_align=”justify” form_field_font_size=”16px” form_field_line_height=”1.8em” background_enable_color=”off” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#02b875″ custom_css_free_form=”.et_pb_signup_0.et_pb_subscribe .et_pb_newsletter_button.et_pb_button {|| color: #ffffff !important;|| background-color: #112d51;||}” border_radii_fields=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” border_width_all_fields=”1px” border_color_all_fields=”#c6c6c6″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_signup][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        If your team isn\u2019t opening up about challenges, they might not feel safe to do so. A lot of managers don\u2019t realize that their employees might be holding back because they fear judgment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3540,"featured_media":49150,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[610],"class_list":["post-49149","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","tag-goal-setting"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nStruggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around - Careers in Government<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If your team isn\u2019t opening up about challenges, they might not feel safe to do so. A lot of managers don\u2019t realize that their employees might be holding back because they fear judgment.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around - Careers in Government\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If your team isn\u2019t opening up about challenges, they might not feel safe to do so. A lot of managers don\u2019t realize that their employees might be holding back because they fear judgment.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Careers in Government\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CareersInGovernment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-03-26T02:30:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-28T20:35:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/carolyn.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"667\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Carolyn Mozell\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@carolynophermozell\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@careersingov\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Carolyn Mozell\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Carolyn Mozell\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/3d6c000c9be6d7809bc41a706768c195\"},\"headline\":\"Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-26T02:30:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-28T20:35:27+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2825,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/carolyn.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"goal setting\"],\"articleSection\":[\"education\\\/training\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/\",\"name\":\"Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around - Careers in Government\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/carolyn.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-26T02:30:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-28T20:35:27+00:00\",\"description\":\"If your team isn\u2019t opening up about challenges, they might not feel safe to do so. A lot of managers don\u2019t realize that their employees might be holding back because they fear judgment.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/carolyn.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/carolyn.jpg\",\"width\":\"1000\",\"height\":\"667\",\"caption\":\"A man in a suit presents a business report on a large screen showing charts to his team of four colleagues seated at a conference table in a modern office. The room has plants, and laptops are visible on the table.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Tools\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Government Talk\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/newdesign\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"About the Public Sector\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/newdesign\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"education\\\/training\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/newdesign\\\/tools\\\/gov-talk\\\/about-gov\\\/education\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":5,\"name\":\"Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/\",\"name\":\"Careers in Government\",\"description\":\"Oldest and largest, award-winning site for finding jobs in government, education and other public sector agencies. Valuable tools for job seekers and employers.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Careers in Government\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/CIG-horizontal-dark-v2.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/CIG-horizontal-dark-v2.png\",\"width\":\"708\",\"height\":\"480\",\"caption\":\"Careers in Government\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/CareersInGovernment\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/careersingov\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/careersingov\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/3d6c000c9be6d7809bc41a706768c195\",\"name\":\"Carolyn Mozell\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/25b6a4df1229e0a3770675024a9dfc2bbd17d49b9aaaf370009d8001aedc5f8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/25b6a4df1229e0a3770675024a9dfc2bbd17d49b9aaaf370009d8001aedc5f8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/25b6a4df1229e0a3770675024a9dfc2bbd17d49b9aaaf370009d8001aedc5f8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Carolyn Mozell\"},\"description\":\"Executive directors and organization presidents consult with Carolyn when they want to get their community projects completed. She marries her experience and expertise with emotional intelligence to ensure project leaders and their teams have a consistent and cohesive project plan that builds trust and gets completed in a timely manner. Visit the THOUGHTful LEADERship blog at www.leaderswhoconnectandinspire.com or join @carolynophermozell on LinkedIn to say hello and get more of her leadership insights and tips.\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/www.leaderswhoconnectandinspire.com\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/carolynophermozell\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/in\\\/carolynophermozell\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/carolynophermozell\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.careersingovernment.com\\\/tools\\\/author\\\/carolynm\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around - Careers in Government","description":"If your team isn\u2019t opening up about challenges, they might not feel safe to do so. A lot of managers don\u2019t realize that their employees might be holding back because they fear judgment.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"nofollow"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around - Careers in Government","og_description":"If your team isn\u2019t opening up about challenges, they might not feel safe to do so. A lot of managers don\u2019t realize that their employees might be holding back because they fear judgment.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/","og_site_name":"Careers in Government","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CareersInGovernment","article_published_time":"2025-03-26T02:30:12+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-07-28T20:35:27+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":667,"url":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/carolyn.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Carolyn Mozell","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@carolynophermozell","twitter_site":"@careersingov","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Carolyn Mozell","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/"},"author":{"name":"Carolyn Mozell","@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/#\/schema\/person\/3d6c000c9be6d7809bc41a706768c195"},"headline":"Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around","datePublished":"2025-03-26T02:30:12+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-28T20:35:27+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/"},"wordCount":2825,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/carolyn.jpg","keywords":["goal setting"],"articleSection":["education\/training"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/","url":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/","name":"Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around - Careers in Government","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/carolyn.jpg","datePublished":"2025-03-26T02:30:12+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-28T20:35:27+00:00","description":"If your team isn\u2019t opening up about challenges, they might not feel safe to do so. A lot of managers don\u2019t realize that their employees might be holding back because they fear judgment.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/carolyn.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/carolyn.jpg","width":"1000","height":"667","caption":"A man in a suit presents a business report on a large screen showing charts to his team of four colleagues seated at a conference table in a modern office. The room has plants, and laptops are visible on the table."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/struggling-with-performance-management-heres-how-to-turn-it-around\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Tools","item":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Government Talk","item":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/newdesign\/tools\/gov-talk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"About the Public Sector","item":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/newdesign\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"education\/training","item":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/newdesign\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"Struggling with Performance Management? Here\u2019s How to Turn It Around"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/","name":"Careers in Government","description":"Oldest and largest, award-winning site for finding jobs in government, education and other public sector agencies. Valuable tools for job seekers and employers.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/#organization","name":"Careers in Government","url":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/CIG-horizontal-dark-v2.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/CIG-horizontal-dark-v2.png","width":"708","height":"480","caption":"Careers in Government"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CareersInGovernment","https:\/\/x.com\/careersingov","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/careersingov\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/#\/schema\/person\/3d6c000c9be6d7809bc41a706768c195","name":"Carolyn Mozell","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25b6a4df1229e0a3770675024a9dfc2bbd17d49b9aaaf370009d8001aedc5f8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25b6a4df1229e0a3770675024a9dfc2bbd17d49b9aaaf370009d8001aedc5f8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25b6a4df1229e0a3770675024a9dfc2bbd17d49b9aaaf370009d8001aedc5f8e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Carolyn Mozell"},"description":"Executive directors and organization presidents consult with Carolyn when they want to get their community projects completed. She marries her experience and expertise with emotional intelligence to ensure project leaders and their teams have a consistent and cohesive project plan that builds trust and gets completed in a timely manner. Visit the THOUGHTful LEADERship blog at www.leaderswhoconnectandinspire.com or join @carolynophermozell on LinkedIn to say hello and get more of her leadership insights and tips.","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.leaderswhoconnectandinspire.com","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/carolynophermozell\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/carolynophermozell\/","https:\/\/x.com\/carolynophermozell"],"url":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/author\/carolynm\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49149","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3540"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49149"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49149\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49910,"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49149\/revisions\/49910"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49149"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49149"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49149"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}