Managing Performance and Termination in Engineering Teams

Leading an engineering team requires more than just technical guidance; it involves managing human dynamics, especially when team members struggle to meet expectations. This text-only course guides you through the entire lifecycle of performance management, from early intervention to the difficult process of termination, ensuring you lead with empathy, clarity, and legal compliance. What you will learn: 1. Understand foundational performance terminology and the legal frameworks surrounding termination. 2. Identify performance issues early using objective engineering metrics and clear expectations. 3. Create and manage structured Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) that offer genuine support. 4. Document performance issues objectively to protect both the organization and the employee. 5. Conduct termination conversations with empathy, clarity, and professional respect. 6. Manage team morale and communication after a team member's departure. You will start with the fundamental concepts of performance management before moving into practical communication strategies, written case studies, and step-by-step guides for handling difficult conversations. This course is designed for new engineering managers, team leads, and aspiring technical leaders, with no prior management experience required. Begin building the leadership skills necessary to guide your team through challenging transitions with confidence and care.