Untangling High‑Performing Teams: An HR Guide to What Really Works

Lets Untangle performance management in your business

In this episode of HR Untangled: Real HR Talk for Business Owners, we dive into one of the most critical and often misunderstood areas of people management: performance management from probation through ongoing employment. What does good performance actually look like? And how do you tell the difference between someone who can’t do the job versus someone who won’t? We unpack the essential distinction between capability and conduct, and why getting this right is key to managing performance effectively. From day-one onboarding to structured probation reviews, we explore how to set employees up for success with clear expectations, consistent feedback, and honest conversations — even when they’re uncomfortable. Because too often, managers avoid difficult discussions until it’s too late. We also break down: Why probation periods matter more than ever (especially with changing employment rights) The importance of regular check-ins, documentation, and evidence-based decisions How to create a fair and supportive process that focuses on improving performance not exiting employees Common pitfalls managers make (and how to avoid them) Practical tips for handling underperformance, including informal conversations and formal processes How performance management can actually boost retention, engagement, and team culture Plus, we discuss real-world challenges like managing neurodiversity, navigating team dynamics, and balancing business needs with employee wellbeing because performance isn’t just about output, it’s about people. Whether you’re a business owner, HR professional, or people manager, this episode will give you clear, practical strategies to manage performance with confidence, fairness, and impact. Tune in to learn how to: Set clear expectations from the start, have honest, effective performance conversations Build a culture of accountability and growth Subscribe to HR Untangled for straightforward, no-nonsense HR advice that helps your business thrive. This is a  ⁨@HerdsMedia⁩  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCeHdiCAsXr9l6-TPmNPK6Dg] podcast production.

Untangling High‑Performing Teams: An HR Guide to What Really Works

What really makes a high‑performing team and why do so many businesses get it wrong?In this episode of HR Untangled, Helen sits down with Scott Smith of People Spark Solutions for a lively, insightful and surprisingly relatable conversation about what high performance actually looks like in today’s unpredictable workplace.Together, they break down the biggest myths around high‑performing teams, including the assumption that “good skills = great performance,” and explore why psychological safety, personal connection, and purpose are now the real drivers of team success.Scott shares eye‑opening real-world examples from his leadership development work across the UK and Ireland—covering everything from generational differences and evolving workplace expectations to accidental managers, burnout, and the dangers of relentless pressure. You’ll hear why one‑to‑ones are the golden thread of high performance, how to give feedback that actually lands, and what happens when managers avoid the tough conversations (spoiler: nothing good).Expect stories about giraffes, pub‑based onboarding, ultra-marathons, and learning to embrace the “silly moments”—all woven into a genuinely practical guide for building teams that perform and stay healthy.Whether you're a business owner, line manager, HR professional or someone trying to untangle the messiness of team culture, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put into action straight away.If you want to get in touch with your own HR Issues that need untangled get in touch we want to hear from you. This is a  @HerdsMedia  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCeHdiCAsXr9l6-TPmNPK6Dg] Podcast Production.

We Untangle what is and isn't the Right To Time Off.

In this jam-packed episode of HR Untangled, Helen and Zoe dive headfirst into the surprisingly complex world of employee time‑off rights — and why understanding them matters far beyond ticking compliance boxes. From annual leave myths to maternity, sickness, flexible family leave, and the big legislative changes coming in April 2026, the duo break down the statutory essentials with their signature blend of real‑life HR insight, humour, and practical sense. You’ll hear them unravel: The 12 core statutory types of time off — and why some are misunderstood or underused Annual leave pitfalls: accrual, bank holidays, part‑time headaches, and why wellbeing days are on the rise Sick leave changes for 2026 — including SSP shifting to a day one right Family leave deep dive: maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, paternity, unpaid parental leave Neonatal and bereavement leave — the rights people often don’t realise they have Time off for dependents — and the common misconceptions that drive HR mad Jury service — the unavoidable leave everyone hopes not to be summoned for Culture matters: how modern expectations around flexibility and fairness are reshaping workplaces Along the way, you’ll get real stories, practical advice for both employers and employees, and a myth‑buster you’ll want to share with your entire team. Whether you’re a business owner, HR professional, or just trying to navigate your own leave entitlements, this episode is a clear, friendly guide to making sense of it all. Real life. Real people. Real HR. Tune in to untangle the complexities of time off — and get ahead of what’s coming next. This is a  @HerdsMedia  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCeHdiCAsXr9l6-TPmNPK6Dg] Production

We try to Untangle the Employment Rights Bill

As we bring in the new year and the business world carries on, 2026 could be a very interesting year when it comes to having employees. Hellen, Zoe and Nina all discuss what the new Employment rights bill is looking at bringing in and also what are some of the key topics business owners really need to be aware of when things are going to change and when they change. Don't worry the Dawson HR team are here to untangle the jargon and help guide you through the bill and make sure you the business owners know what's coming up.HR Untangled cuts through the noise to bring real, relatable HR insights to business owners. From hiring headaches to untangling the law, we tackle the messy, meaningful side of managing people. No jargon—just honest talk, practical advice, and stories that make HR make sense.If you'd like more information or would like to ask a question on the pod then please get in touch.⁠helen@dawsonhr.co.uk⁠⁠01228 470020⁠This is a Herd's Media Production.

This Christmas Special is HR Approved!

On this month episode We talk all things Christmas......... HR Approved Christmas we might add. We discuss the do's and don'ts and why Christmas can be a minefield if your not prepared. But remember we're not the fun police its not all doom and gloom there's so much you can do for Christmas parties and why not change things up rather than a meal and boozy nights out. We chip in with some great alternative ideas. HR Untangled cuts through the noise to bring real, relatable HR insights to business owners. From hiring headaches to untangling the law, we tackle the messy, meaningful side of managing people. No jargon—just honest talk, practical advice, and stories that make HR make sense.If you'd like more information or would like to ask a question on the pod then please get in touch.⁠helen@dawsonhr.co.uk⁠⁠01228 470020⁠This is a Herd's Media Production.