Performance Management

Many organizations conduct formal
performance reviews, typically once a year. While such reviews can be an
invaluable tool for evaluating employees, if done poorly, without preparation,
they can be counter-productive and harmful to the organization.

For
performance management to be meaningful and useful, it is important to remember
that it is a process which requires
planning and preparation; the annual review is but one part of that process.

An
effective performance review process involves:

• proactive
  planning at the beginning of the performance year;
• ongoing
  feedback and coaching during the year; and
• an
  annual Performance Plan and Review meeting. 

Proactive
Planning within the performance management process includes long term preparation
such as engaging in ongoing dialogues throughout the performance cycle and
documenting and addressing issues as they arise, as well as short term
preparation for the actual interview. For example, booking time for the
interview, making sure the employee has a copy of his/her job description, etc.

During
the actual performance review meeting, it is important to acknowledge an
employee’s strengths before discussing areas which require improvement. During
the meeting, the supervisor should

• focus
  on specifics;
•  keep
  comments impersonal and job related;
• and be
  respectful.
  

Before the meeting ends, it is
important for the employee to have a clear idea of the goals and expectations
for the next year and what support he/she can expect from the organization. It
is also important to check in periodically with the employee to find out how
the employee is doing and what further support/training is required.

If the performance
management process is successful, it will result in the organization:

• identififying of performance gaps;
• determining the cause(s) of the
  inadequate performance;
• developing a plan of action to close the
  performance gap;
• implementing the plan of action; and
• evaluating performance to see whether
  plan is working and the gap is closing