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Editor's note: This is the first in a two-part series on dealing with poor performers. This month, we tackle identifying the cause of the problem and talking to the employee. ext month, we'll touch on conducting better performance appraisals and disciplining, and we'll include a free 20-page special report on human resources (HR) challenges. In vaudeville theater, a poor performance led to a giant hook coming across the stage and yanking the actor back into the wings. Although you may sometimes feel like your underperforming staff deserve this type of treatment, there are other solutions that can get you the same results. If you're feeling lost, start with these two steps (suggested by HR consultants, not Vaudevillians) to better manage employees and improve the performance-appraisal process