E-tip: Have a Painless Performance Evaluation Discussion
December 2006
For many organizations, December is performance evaluation time. Before you sit down to deliver performance evaluations this year, consider that the evaluation discussion does not have to be something you do TO the employee. In fact, it should be something you do WITH the employee. By following this easy agenda, you can involve the employee in this important discussion.
Introduction
Tell the employee that the purpose of the meeting is to have a mutual discussion about the employee’s performance and to plan for the future. Ask if the employee has had a chance to review the draft performance evaluation that you have prepared.
Employee’s Viewpoint
Ask the employee to discuss their perspective of the performance and of the performance evaluation. NOTE: Ask open-ended questions and encourage the employee to share their ideas. This is where you listen!!!
Manager’s Viewpoint
Provide a very brief summary of the employee’s performance. Remember, this doesn’t have to take long because YOUR VIEW ARE already summarized in writing on the evaluation document.
Goals and Objectives for the Coming Year
Ask the employee to suggest goals for the next year and collaboratively agree on them.
Training, Development, Further Education Required
Ask the employee to share training or educational opportunities he/she would like to pursue in the coming year.
Feedback from the Employee
Ask the employee how they feel about the plan for the coming year. Let the employee have the last word, even if you don’t agree.
Close on a constructive, encouraging note
If you begin this meeting with a plan and allow it to be a two-way conversation, both the employee and you will benefit. Best wishes for a happy evaluation season!
Click Here to view the entire newsletter.
Click Here to visit the newsletter archive.
Marnie E. Green is Principal Consultant of the Chandler, AZ-based Management Education Group, Inc. Green is a speaker, author, and consultant who helps organizations develop confident leaders. Contact Green at phone: 480-705-9394 email: web site: http://www.managementeducationgroup.com.
We offer this article on a nonexclusive basis. You may reprint or repost this material as long as Marnie Green's name and contact information are included.