Analyzing Performance Problems: Or, You Really Oughta Wanna--How to Figure out Why People Aren't Doing What They Should Be, and What to do About It

by Robert F. Mager

erformance problems are something we all face. Whether at work or in schools, at home or with friends, people often don't perform the way we want them to. Analyzing Performance Problems gives you the power to identify why people aren't performing as expected and to come up with realistic solutions that work.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction, Management, Historical Romance, Textbooks, Human Resources

183 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Mager is a heavyweight in the field of training and performance improvement, and popularized the concept of Criterion Referenced Instruction.

Mager achieved A.B. and M.A. degrees from Ohio University and finished his Ph.D. in Psychology at the State University of Iowa.

Reviews

[Matthias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elegant in its simplicity, an eye-opener and must (short) read for anyone who deals with human performance of some kind

[Lizz Axnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in spurts. It offers some excellent tips for management. Unfortunately, if your boss is not open to said tips, they are hard to implement. I read this as a new manager looking to solve an ongoing problem in my building. I learned a lot but was unable to implement some of the solutions. I am hoping to take this knowledge to my next position and it will be better received.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very straight forward model is presented on understanding a business problem before throwing solutions at it. I enjoyed the book as it is simple to read with lots of examples and many tools to make it easy to reference. Looking forward to implementing these principles!

[Maggie V · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice balance of broad generalities with specific case studies this is the most helpful management book I’ve read. It’s also a bit more on the psychological side of business with a good mix of humor. Please read the Appendices Reprisal chapter if nothing else!!

[Arie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful for thinking about ways to motivate people

[Andrei Beniash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely must read book

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent starter guide for program management and L&D. It has great tips for any situation you are involved with.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, easy reading and well organized.

[Carolyn Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the second edition, from 1984. A very quick read, I got it done in an afternoon. Nevertheless it provides a lot of food for thought for when conducting a needs analysis. It isn't about how to create training - it is about how to determine when training is necessary. The authors provide a very useful flowchart and walk through it chapter by chapter.

The only aspect that they don't really address, which may be in later editions, concerns people who have performed a job well in the past but the job has changed. This could be due to new policies, new tech, new company culture. The manager requesting training might be unaware that the job requirements have changed and they may need to adjust their expectations. Or the employee may be unaware of or resistant to the new requirements.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, basic, problem-solving book--you may need some other resources to remedy the problems you realize you have after reading this, but at least you'll be putting your efforts in the right place.

Easy read, but not as condescending as some of the other "business management success!" books out there.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The work of Mager and Pipe on performance assessment, analysis and design have formed the foundation of my business. This book is simple to follow, full of common sense and aligns with performance improvement methodologies. It is a 'front of shelf' reflective reference for me. Thanks Robert and Peter.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well written and easy to read. Points out common errors of judgement where managers can think there may be a "training" problem and how to uncover the real issues and the reasons behind them. Useful for problems in personal life and study, not just the workplace too.

[Chris Armer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and simple to understand resource that outlines a very practical approach to diagnosing performance problems with teams and organizations. This book serves as a great reminder that training is rarely the proper solution to performance problems.

[Laura]

I minored in computer technology during my undergrad and this book was instrumental in my later decision to study instructional design.

[Molly Tomlin]

I read this book for my Educational Technology class. I found it easy to read and digest. I believe too that it will be helpful when I put this work into practice.

[Joanne Jeresano]

I think this is great!!!

[Brian King · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read and apply this book, you will be able to diagnose and solve human performance problems. Wow, that's amazing, but true.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The edition I read was a bit dated, but the book presents a good basic approach to analyzing & solving performance problems.