I'm not your typical HR consultant who shows up with a clipboard and a rulebook. Instead, I'm more like your strategic partner who rolls up their sleeves and dives in to find real, practical solutions. As one client put it: "Emily was brilliant not just as a service but a solutions provider".

In today's video, I'm going to share how successful businesses are flipping the script on performance management. We'll explore how focusing on coaching and development first can transform your business culture, boost your billers' confidence, and actually make those tougher conversations more constructive when they're needed.

Are you leaving performance to chance in your business? Are you just hoping to get the results you want without clarity?

I see this all the time - usually resulting in a stressed, frustrated business owner, taking it all on themselves.

There is another way.

Here's a radical thought for recruitment & small business owners - what if performance conversations actually energised your team?

Somewhere along the way, the very mention of "performance" became associated with blame, fear and that dreaded march to HR. It's no wonder we all tense up at the phrase "we need to talk about your performance."

What if we changed this narrative in our businesses?

You know exactly what I'm talking about - that employee who consistently underperforms, the one you've been meaning to address for weeks, months, maybe even years. Yet, here you are, once again picking up their slack, feeling the weight of unresolved issues on your shoulders.

As a performance coach and HR consultant, I've seen countless small business owners really struggle with a common challenge - creating accountability among their employees.

The sleepless nights, stress, frustration and overwhelm that come as a result of this are no joke.

Here's why it happens...

I've seen it countless times. Clients reach out when they're paralysed, unable to move forward. The culprit? A business setback that's shattered their confidence and planted seeds of doubt.

These experiences can be crippling, making you second-guess every decision.

But here's the truth - they don't have to define you.

This client's journey is seriously impressive - organic growth over a decade to a team of 30, fuelled by a fantastic culture.

But like many growing businesses, they've hit a common hurdle. A lack of structure creating bottlenecks for the owners.

Ever had one of those days where you're staring at your computer screen, thinking, "Is this really worth it?"

I recently worked with a recruitment business owner, who was having way too many of those days. She was at her wit's end - stressed, overwhelmed, and seriously contemplating throwing in the towel on her business dreams.

I'm putting together a newsletter specifically for small businesses like yours. It's my way of keeping you in the loop about the big HR changes coming your way — without the legal jargon headache.

Think of it as your HR cheat sheet, your “go to”.

Are you leaving your teams performance to chance? Are you just hoping for results?

This was a conversation I had with a client yesterday.

My client, a successful business owner was becoming increasingly frustrated with his team. From his perspective they were spending too much time on their phones, not enough time speaking to clients and certainly not hitting sales targets.

Remember, accountability isn't about pointing fingers. It's about creating an environment where everyone takes ownership of their work and its outcomes.

As a leader, embracing accountability might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's a game-changer for your business and your team's growth.

The magic happens when these elements align:

• Clarity ensures everyone's moving in the same direction.
• Accountability keeps the momentum going.
• A performance-focused culture makes excellence the norm, not the exception.

Without talented high performing team members, that are happy and healthy your business won't thrive. Don't leave their success – and by extension, your business's success – to chance. Invest in a clear, actionable people strategy. Your future self will thank you.

Supporting clients with performance is something I’ve been doing for a very long time.

In this short video I walk through one thing you can do to support under performers, and also create high performance in your business. It’s simple, but often overlooked.

My expertise spans across performance coaching, strategic business consulting, culture and performance enhancement, HR strategy and compliance, leadership development, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

This comprehensive skill set allows me to offer holistic solutions that address both individual and organisational growth journeys.

In an industry often clouded by empty promises and quick-fix solutions, I've always been hesitant to label myself as a coach. The image of self-proclaimed experts offering instant success through overpriced masterminds or beachside webinars has tarnished the profession's reputation.

But coaching, when done right, is a craft honed through years of experience and continuous learning. With two decades in the people profession and numerous professional qualifications, I've cultivated a coaching approach that prioritises authenticity and tangible results.

Ever feel like you're drowning in the day-to-day of running your business? Trust me, you're not alone.

I want to share a quick story about Sarah, one of my incredible clients. Like many of us, she was struggling with the isolation of being a business owner.

Long hours, endless decisions, and that constant nagging feeling that she might be missing something important.

As a small business owner, you've poured your heart and soul into building your dream.

But what happens when people challenges start to erode that dream?

I've seen it countless times. Clients reach out when they're paralysed, unable to move forward. The culprit? A business setback that's shattered their confidence and planted seeds of doubt.

These experiences can be crippling, making you second-guess every decision.

But here's the truth - they don't have to define you.

My approach? We don't just push past the pain—we make space for it.