Jaguar Land Rover “transition to high performance” training program

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a training program that was specifically designed to underpin the launch of a new behavior framework and performance management process, required to support the pace of organizational change in the face of increasingly competitive market demands. Design/methodology/approach – The core focus of the training program was on practical skills acquisition reinforced by role‐play, using performance management conversation scenarios designed to reflect the daily business context of the participants – therefore enabling direct transfer of skills back to the workplace. The impact of the training program was greatly enhanced by allowing participants to practice the techniques being taught, before attempting to apply them in their performance management conversations with their respective team members. Findings – The training program resulted in the successful launch of the new behavior framework and performance management process, and engagement of the management population in applying the new process consistently: with a significant increase in evidence‐based assessment and an associated willingness by the participants to conduct appropriate difficult performance‐related conversations in their line management roles. Originality/value – The design and methodology of this performance management training program will be of value to a wide range of organizations across all business sectors seeking to implement a behavior framework‐based performance management process; and needing to increase the skills and effectiveness of line managers in addressing performance issues in their respective teams.