UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct

FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant empowers Federal supervisors and advisers to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising in the Federal workplace. It shatters misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and offers step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate, and legally defensible actions.

The class begins with a discussion of accountability and supervisory authority and highlight the differences between performance and misconduct issues before launching into discipline theory and practice, including the types of discipline, disciplinary charges, using the Douglas factors in penalty selection, and due process considerations. After a discussion of disciplinary documents, procedures and appeals, the class switches focus to dealing with unacceptable performance. Learn how to set realistic performance expectations, clarify vague performance standards, and implement a performance demonstration period (DP, what some agencies call a PIP), and successfully implement the performance-based removal procedures when necessary.

Learning objectives

• Identify the tools supervisors have for addressing misconduct and unacceptable performance.
• Name the five elements of discipline and describe how the Douglas factors aid in selecting a defensible penalty.
• Properly implement a performance Demonstration Period (DP), often referred to as a PIP.
• Identify alternatives to discipline and situations where they might be appropriate.

Event FAQs

Is there any flexibility with course durations for Agency Direct training? 

Yes. Many agencies have requested that full-day courses be taught over two half-days to ensure maximum engagement, especially when the course is being taught virtually. Any course can be spread out over multiple days or condensed into shorter sessions. And shorter classes can often be combined to build longer courses covering more topics. We’ll be happy to discuss the options that are most convenient to you.

In what format is this class held?

The class may be held onsite at an agency location, or as a live virtual event. Virtual events are generally held using your agency’s platform (Zoom, WebEx, Teams, etc.). In certain situations where FELTG hosts, the event will be held on Zoom or Teams.

Can I earn CLE credits for this class?

CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees. If you are seeking CLE credit, you may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. You may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.