Performance reviews—whether you are a manager or an employee, a performance review can create
anxiety and anxiousness. Some welcome the opportunity, while others feel a wave of apprehension. Yet,
most managers grapple with the daunting task of offering constructive feedback. Balancing between
coaching and criticizing is a tightrope act. Fortunately, with the right approach and tools, this task can be
navigated seamlessly.
What is a Performance Reviews
A performance review is a structured evaluation of an employee’s past performance, coupled with high expectations for future progress. Managers offer constructive feedback to motivate employees, help prioritize career development opportunities and clarify responsibilities and accountability. For Employees, a performance review can act as a guide to redirect efforts toward set goals & provide insight into modifying behaviours for beter outcomes. Studies underscore the importance of regular, fair, and diverse feedback in enhancing employee performance and engagement. To reap these benefits, scheduling periodic performance reviews (typically annually or semi-annually) for every team member is crucial.
Preparing for a Performance Review
Effective performance reviews require pre-work and preparation from both the manager and the employee. For Managers
- Review past goals and track key performance indicators (KPIs) objectively.
- Focus on outcomes rather than inputs.
- Gather feedback from colleagues to form a comprehensive assessment.
- Strive to eliminate biases in judgment. For Employees:
- Gather evidence of accomplishments, feedback, and KPIs.
- Delve into personal career goals and growth opportunities.
- Be ready to provide constructive feedback.
- Complete the self-assessment form honestly.
Collecting data on employees during a performance review is crucial for several reasons
- Objective Assessment: Data provides tangible evidence of an employee’s performance, allowing
for an objective evaluation rather than relying solely on subjective opinions. - Factual Basis: It helps in substance feedback with concrete examples, making the review
more credible and meaningful. - Comparative Analysis: Data from different periods allows for comparisons, showcasing progress
or decline in performance. - Idenfying Patterns: Trends in data can highlight recurring strengths or weaknesses, aiding in
targeted development plans. - Supporting Decision-making: Data-backed assessments assist in making informed decisions
related to promotions, bonuses, or training needs
Crafting Review Feedback
The crux of a performance review lies in its feedback. Constructive criticism coupled with positive
reinforcement can drive substantial growth. Effective feedback should:
- Tie Improvement to Past accounts: Instead of commanding change, emphasize building upon past actions
- Contextualize Issues: Explain the ripple effects of behaviours on the team, company, and career prospects.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge strengths and suggest ways to enhance them further.
And Don’t Forget the Post-Review Follow-Up
A performance review serves as a springboard for change. To translate feedback into actionable progress, a follow-up plan is vital. Your Employee Development Plan should outline tasks for skill enhancement and career progression, recommend training programs or functions and suggest new responsibilities to contribute more efficiently.
To aid in your preparation, download this resource, which provides you with a curated list of 30 essential questions designed to guide managers through the process of collecting comprehensive feedback on an employee’s performance. These thoughtfully crafted questions cover diverse aspects of an employee’s contributions, skills, and behaviours, ensuring a holistic and insightful assessment. Utilize this tool to streamline your feedback collection process, enabling you to delve deeper into evaluating an employee’s performance with precision and clarity.
Download to learn the correct procedure for a performance review!
Performance Reviews & Download Form For Year End Preparation
