I've been working with a recruitment business owner recently who was at breaking point. He'd been paying for a generic HR helpline (you know the type - insurance-backed, call centre approach, tick-box solutions). But they just weren't getting it.

The challenge? An underperforming consultant with ongoing sickness issues. Months of frustration, zero progress, and a helpline that didn't understand the unique dynamics of recruitment businesses.

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.

Today marks White Ribbon Day - a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to stand against gender-based violence and create a safer world for women and girls.

If you've spent your weekend worrying about talking to that employee about that performance issues that just won't go away....then here is a little something for you.

A quick and simple guide on how to tackle performance concerns in your business.

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?

In my 15+ years supporting business owners, one truth stands out. When your people are your biggest headache, your business becomes a burden rather than a joy.

Here's what I know …

What happens when your team don’t really know what is expected of them?

• They don’t know how to perform at the levels you want?

• Someone leaves and nicks your data?

• Or goes off sick for three months and you can’t get hold of them?

There is always a better way …

My client, an experienced entrepreneur leading a team of 15, was struggling with the people management side of her business. In her own words, she found it:

- Stressful
- Overwhelming
- Like constantly watching over her shoulder for something to go wrong

Yes, I'll make sure your contracts are watertight and your policies are up to date. But my real value? It's in helping you build a business where both you and your team can thrive.

Ready to go beyond surface-level HR and tackle the real issues in your business? Let's talk. Your peace of mind is waiting on the other side.

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.

Fear-based leadership is never a good strategy. It creates a toxic environment where:

- Innovation is stifled
- Open communication breaks down
- Employee well-being suffers
- Turnover increases
- Productivity declines

About Emily … Throughout my career, I've learned that true business transformation comes from addressing both the strategic and human elements of an organisation. That's why I focus on developing comprehensive solutions that align your people strategy with your business objectives, while ensuring you're protected legally and ethically.

One of the things I see all the time that totally hinders performance in recruitment businesses is a lack of clarity around expectations.

This is often coming from a really good place. Business owners not wanting to recreate the restrictive KPI, fear driven cultures of recruitment past. Not wanting to bog down the business in rules, policies and complex contracts. I totally get it.

However, an all or nothing approach is really damaging your business and your culture.

So on this World Menopause Day I encourage organisations to really educate themselves - there are so many ways to support the people experiencing the effects of menopause in your businesses, and it will make such a huge difference to your people.

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”.