See what is really happening
Separate the issue from the assumptions, emotion and noise surrounding it.
Better Conversations™ | Manager Essentials ME-01 to ME-09
The conversations that matter
begin with better preparation.
Practical tools, structured preparation and expert support that help managers approach important conversations with greater clarity, fairness and purpose.
Start with the need
The conversation is the work.
Most management problems do not begin with a lack of policy. They grow through unclear expectations, missed feedback, avoided issues and concerns that remain unspoken for too long.
Choose a constructive response
Clarify the purpose, facts, questions, support and next step before speaking.
Move the situation forward
Have the conversation, listen carefully, agree action and follow through.
One connected library
Nine conversations. One practical approach.
Choose the conversation that matches the real situation. Each Manager Essential is designed to help a manager understand, prepare and take the next constructive step.
Available now: ME-04 provides the complete sample experience. ME-06 includes a free conflict workbook and assessment. The remaining pathways are being completed as part of the limited launch.
Performance and accountability
ME-01Mid-Year ReviewsRecognise, reflect, reset and follow through ME-02Setting ExpectationsConnect purpose, goals, results, evidence and review ME-03Giving FeedbackBe clear, specific and constructive ME-04Managing UnderperformanceTry the complete sample experienceLeadership and development
ME-05Management StyleNotice, choose, act and reflect ME-07Career DevelopmentExplore growth and meaningful next stepsChange, conflict and wellbeing
ME-06Managing ConflictAddress the root, not only the reaction ME-08Managing ChangeHelp people understand and navigate change ME-09Wellbeing ConversationsRespond early, carefully and appropriatelyThe Better Conversations experience
Insight that leads to action.
A short, repeatable process helps managers move from uncertainty to a better-prepared conversation, then learn from what happens next.
Watch
A short explanation makes the issue easier to recognise and understand.
Check
A focused assessment helps the manager clarify the real situation.
Understand
A useful interpretation turns responses into insight, not a label.
Prepare
A practical workbook converts insight into a clear conversation plan.
Act
The manager has the conversation with greater clarity, care and purpose.
Reflect
Follow-through turns one conversation into better judgement for the next.
See the approach in action
ME-04 | Managing Underperformance
Explore the full public sample. It is designed to help a manager understand a performance gap and prepare a fair, constructive conversation. It is not a disciplinary or PIP tool.
WATCHShort video introductionUnderstand the performance gap and the conversation ahead
CHECKTake the assessmentClarify facts, expectations, context, improvement and support
UNDERSTANDView a sample reportSee how responses become useful preparation
PREPAREOpen the sample workbookTurn insight into a clear conversation and review plan
ACTHave the conversation, listen to what emerges and agree the next step.
REFLECTReview what changed, what remains unclear and what follow-through is now required.
Another conversation available now
Conflict needs a root, not a reaction.
ME-06 helps managers slow the situation down, understand what may be driving it and prepare to address issues early and constructively.
ME-06 | Managing Conflict
Use the short video, free workbook and assessment as a practical starting point.
What changes
Managers become better able to...
The outcome is not simply completing a resource. It is better judgement before, during and after the conversation.
Address issues earlier
Recognise when waiting is increasing the difficulty or cost of the situation.
Prepare with greater clarity
Separate facts, expectations, impact, assumptions and the desired result.
Read the human response
Listen, remain curious and adapt without losing the purpose of the conversation.
Say what needs to be said
Be clear and constructive while protecting fairness and the working relationship.
Agree a meaningful next step
Leave with shared understanding, ownership, support and a clear review point.
Learn from experience
Reflect on the result and make a more deliberate choice in the next situation.
For organisations
Support matched to the need.
Begin with one priority, a defined manager group or a connected organisation-wide pathway. The starting point should fit the problem, not force the organisation into a product.
Start with one conversation
Use a priority Manager Essential with a defined group and learn from the evidence.
- One selected conversation
- Assessment and workbook
- Facilitated introduction
- Review and recommendation
Build conversation capability
Give managers a shared approach across the situations they face throughout the year.
- Nine connected pathways
- Practical access throughout the year
- Manager and HR support
- Usage and learning review
Connect conversations and leadership
Combine Better Conversations with Leadership Plus, coaching, insight and measurement.
- Broader leadership development
- Individual coaching and diagnostics
- Workplace application
- Evidence and follow-through
Leadership Performance Partnership™ | 4-minute overview
The wider partnership
Stronger managers. Better conversations. Higher performance.
Better Conversations can work as focused support for a specific situation, or as part of the wider Leadership Performance Partnership™, combining Leadership Plus, practical resources, coaching and expert support.
Who is behind it?
Paul Peake
Paul is an HR and leadership development practitioner, executive coach and Chartered Fellow of the CIPD.
He combines evidence-informed practice with more than two decades of HR leadership, organisational development, people development and practical management experience.
Better Conversations grew from the situations managers repeatedly bring into programmes, coaching rooms and real workplaces.
20+ yearsHR, leadership and people development experience
12+ yearsdeveloping and delivering Leadership Plus
EI + coachingdiagnostics, reflection and individual development
Award-winningtalent and workforce development strategy
Responsible use: Better Conversations supports management capability and preparation. It is not legal advice, therapy, a formal investigation or a substitute for organisational policy. Sensitive and high-risk matters should be escalated appropriately.
Start with a conversation
Tell Paul what you're seeing.
No sensitive detail is needed. Share the shape of the situation and we can identify the most useful resource, consultation or wider support.