How to conduct a performance appraisal
Checklist
- Schedule regular appraisals for each employee. Aim for at least once a year, but ideally quarterly.
- Ask the employee to prepare for the review by completing a self-assessment covering performance, skills, attitude and any problems.
- Prepare yourself by reviewing the employee's self-assessment, your notes on the previous appraisal and the employee's performance since then.
- If appropriate, obtain feedback on the employee from subordinates, colleagues, superiors and customers (known as 360-degree feedback).
- Identify your main concerns and what you want the appraisal to achieve; think about potential work and training opportunities for the employee.
- Start the appraisal meeting by explaining its purpose and agenda; try to put the employee at ease and set a positive tone.
- Ask the employee to talk you through the self-assessment; listen, and encourage the employee to talk.
- Make your own comments; ensure that all previously agreed objectives, and any areas which concern you, have been covered.
- Acknowledge achievements and hard work.
- Discuss poor performance where necessary, but avoid personal criticisms.
- Encourage the employee to identify the causes of any problems and to suggest potential solutions.
- Discuss the employee's long-term career plans and aspirations.
- Identify any training needs.
- Agree specific, realistic and measurable key objectives for the next period; ensure that the employee is committed to them.
- Write up the performance appraisal report and confirm that the employee agrees with what you have said.
- Continue to monitor performance against objectives.
- Be prepared to deal with problems when they occur, rather than waiting for the next appraisal meeting.
Cardinal rules
Do:
- commit to regular appraisal meetings
- prepare by reviewing the employee's performance
- encourage the employee to contribute, and listen to what is said
- be positive, and praise good performance
- focus on solutions and opportunities
- agree key objectives
Don't:
- talk too much or dominate the meeting
- make personal criticisms - criticise performance instead
- impose objectives which the employee has not agreed
- rely on scheduled reviews alone to manage employee performance
