Employers and their managers spend a lot of time working with employees to get the job done. When the job is done well the employer is satisfied and may tell the employee from time to time that the job is being done well.
When the job is not being done well the employee will often get considerably more attention but the employer is obviously less than satisfied. There is also the middle ground – performance is acceptable but not of a high standard. The employer may mean to address this but often lacks the framework to do so effectively or simply puts it off and accepts average or mediocre performance.
A sound performance management process can provide clear goals, ensure the focus is on what is important, recognise high quality performance and provide the means to deal effectively with inadequate performance.
Any performance management system takes time and thought.
So why do it? What are the benefits to a business to invest this time?
- Employees work is planned and focused on the results needed for the business to succeed, ie what is most important
- Employees, even those who are excellent workers, show improved performance when they are focused on targets, goals, business results and they receive feedback for positive contributions to the business
- Providing feedback to employees on a regular basis, focusing on specific performance matters, is a proven method of training and improving performance levels
- Employers make assumptions about what their employees see as important to the success of the business. Employees do likewise. An effective system for managing performance addresses the gaps in understanding between employer and employee about what is critical and what is not
Effective systems have some common attributes.
They are:
- Results driven
- Relevant to the work being carried out
- Done frequently to keep objectives and targets relevant
- Conducted by the employee’s immediate manager/supervisor
- The employee and the employer use the system to plan and review performance and overcome obstacles
- Easy to use
Wood & Associates are able to assist you with developing effective performance review systems.
