by: Michelle Fish | CEO
If you’re like most managers, performance reviews are often pushed off and delayed until the last minute. Performance reviews take extra time and preparation to complete – something difficult to fit into our busy work day. It is essential, however, that we set this time aside and make performance reviews a top priority. Performance reviews play a critical role in employee retention, team alignment, and overall productivity.
Well designed performance reviews should evaluate overall performance and measure specific goals while setting proper expectations on the side of the manager and the employee. Performance reviews offer a forum to praise good work as well as provide constructive criticism for areas in need of improvement. It provides the ideal opportunity for you to take the pulse of your workforce and stay in tune with their needs and concerns.
Here are some tips to follow to get the most of your performance reviews:
Use Employee Self-Evaluation
The best reviews are structured as an open discussion between the employee and the manager. Using an employee self-evaluation form is a great way to accomplish this 2-sided discussion. Prior to the review, ask your employees to rate their own performance using a standard set of criteria. This gives the employee an opportunity to reflect on his/her accomplishments and take a critical introspective look at his/her own performance.
Set Measurable Goals
Setting goals is a great way to help employees focus on critical areas and know what is expected of them. Work with each employee to set goals that are specific and measurable with a designated timeline. Goal setting should serve as a motivational tool, so make sure that the goals are challenging yet realistic and attainable. Most importantly, hold your employees responsible for these goals. Encourage them along the way and evaluate progress at the following review period.
Keep it Standard & Simple
The review process should be standardized for all employees – not matter what level they are in the company. All managers should be trained on the performance review process so that each employee receives a fair and consistent evaluation. Also, keep the process simple! An effective review doesn’t require a stack of burdensome forms to be filled out; keep the review concise and focused on core objectives.
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