HBR Guides to Performance Management Collection (4 Books) (HBR Guide Series)

Chapter 2

Set the Stage to Stimulate Growth

by Edward M. Hallowell, MD

Editor’s note: Before you begin coaching your employees, set the stage for success. Make sure they’re doing the right jobs to begin with, they feel connected to their work and to one another, they’re receptive, and they’re capable of mastering the skills and tasks their roles require. Using basic principles from brain science, you can address each of those issues and help people achieve peak performance.

The brain is remarkably plastic: It grows and adapts throughout life.

That means you’re never stuck with who you are or who your employees are. We used to think only young brains could change and develop. We now know that adult brains do, too. We can all get smarter and wiser ...