Honest Performance Conversations
How to address performance issues early, fairly and with clarity – without losing trust.
In May’s webinar, The 6‑Month Shift, we explored why the changing unfair dismissal landscape means probation is no longer a low-risk period — it’s a critical window.
This July, we focus on what often determines the outcome inside that window: how we handle performance conversations early, clearly and fairly.
Hosted by Ali Grady and Sarah Harvey, this practical session will help HR and people managers create the conditions for honest conversations to thrive — without damaging trust.
Why this matters now
When performance slips in probation (or beyond), the risk is rarely a lack of policy — it’s what happens in the conversation:
- feedback that’s too vague to act upon
- conversations avoided until frustration builds
- mixed messages between HR and managers
- fear and defensiveness that shuts honesty down
Creating a workplace where people feel safe to speak up honestly is essential for performance and retention — and it starts with how we talk to each other.
What you’ll learn
You’ll leave with practical tools to:
- Prepare for a performance conversation with clarity and calm
- Give feedback that is clear, fair and human — direct without being harsh, kind without being vague
- Build the conditions for trust and openness, so honest conversations can happen more easily
- Move from conversation to next steps (expectations, support, accountability) with more learning and less escalation
Who it’s for
This webinar is for:
- HR professionals and in-house people teams
- Line managers responsible for performance and probation reviews
- Leaders who want cultures where people feel safe to speak up and do their best work
About the Hosts
Ali Grady, Co-Founder and Director, The Thrive Team
Ali works with organisations to create psychologically safe, high-performing workplaces where people can thrive. Her work combines organisational development, wellbeing and culture to help leaders build teams that are both happy and high-performing.
Sarah Harvey, Associate Trainer, The Thrive Team
Sarah is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, Fellow of the Institute of Leadership, and an experienced organisational psychology consultant and leadership coach specialising in communication, culture, and conflict. A highly respected HR leader and independent consultant, she has supported at least 100 organisations and thousands of managers across the public, private, and third sectors. Known for her practical, engaging approach, Sarah is passionate about creating high performing workplaces where people can be their best selves. She is author of Savvy Conversations, A Framework for Effective Workplace Conversations a widely acclaimed framework for building positive workplace cultures through everyday conversations.
📅 Date: 7 July 2026
🕒 Time: 1 – 2pm
💻 Format: Live online webinar + Q&A
🎟️ Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_EsXGeCGRaanWY3wrCpytA (Recording sent to all registrants)
