Juniper Networks Reinvents Performance Management

Juniper’s definition of a quality conversation was ‘a conversation that resulted in improved thinking, creating a climate of innovation and engagement.’ Quality conversation was encouraged amongst colleagues (direct reports), peers and customers. These conversations include discussing performance with a team member, giving everyday feedback, planning a project with a colleague, collaborating with a customer or running a meeting. The program provided managers with the latest neuroscience research relating to human performance as well as conversation models which allow managers be more adaptive in their approach when leading and growing organizational talent. Managers learned core conversation skills to quickly move others from an impasse toward insight and motivated action, ultimately the development of new habits. Benefits of this approach include increasing the ability of a colleague or direct report to think through situations on their own, resulting in higher levels of staff engagement.