May 16: Design Your Follow-Up System

Without follow-up, even the best conversation becomes a one-time event rather than a catalyst for change.

The most common mistake managers make isn't in the difficult conversation itself—it's failing to follow up consistently afterward. Effective follow-up demonstrates commitment to improvement rather than punishment.

Take Action: Create a simple follow-up template with these elements: 1) Key agreements made during the conversation, 2) Specific actions with deadlines for both you and the employee, 3) Metrics to track improvement, and 4) Scheduled check-in dates. Set calendar reminders for each follow-up to ensure accountability.