Performance Management Main Page Learn about this site and Robert BacalEmployee Review terms and definitions Performance Management Article Library Performance Management and Appraisal Frequently Asked Questions Articles by Robert Bacal, best selling McGraw-Hill Author Information about Bacal's books on Performance Management Expert and guest articles on performance management Tools for performance planning, conducting review meetings, guides, and morePerformance Improvement Consulting and ServicesOur recommended books on employee reviews, appraisals, and improving performance Free offers to help you undertake performance management betterMore features of this site
Perfect Phrases For Setting Performance Goals and ObjectivesHow To Manage Performance - 24 Lessons For Managing PerformancePerformance Management - A Briefcase BookA Critical Look At Performance Management SystemsPerfect Phrases For Performance ReviewsManager's Guide To Performance Reviews and Performance Management
Performance Management Books By Robert Bacal

Appraisal Interviews: What To Say & How To Say It
By Andrew E. Schwartz

Summary: Some sound advice on how to conduct an effective performance appraisal interview. Focuses on what to say and how to say it.


STEPS TOWARDS A GOOD APPRAISAL INTERVIEW:

Don’t say: “You just don’t seem to care about doing a good job.” “You seem to be more interested in scoring points against Charlie than in working with him.” “You’re too defensive.” Do: Stick to behavior. say, “Here’s what I saw,” or, “Here’s what I heard you say.”

Here is some advice for supervisors that will contribute to a successful appraisal interview.

1. Stick to goals. Measure performance against previously discussed and agreed upon goals.
2. Do not discuss rewards. Make a statement at the beginning such as, “While this appraisal may be the basis for a raise, we are getting together today to review performance past and present and then discuss an improvement plan. Information about raises and promotions will need to come at a future time. We can set up a date to discuss them at the end of this meeting.”
3. Consistently ask for the employee’s view throughout the discussion. By asking for the employee’s view, the supervisor establishes the two-way nature of the performance appraisal process. The supervisor learns how the employee feels about the work environment. This will very often provide important insights into the employee’s job performance quality.

Here is some advice for supervisors that will contribute to a successful appraisal interview.


1. Listen to employee. The successful evaluation is a dialogue. The supervisor must be prepared to listen to the employee, just as the supervisor expects the employee to listen. After all, the employee has a very important stake in the evaluation. Also, the employee usually wants the evaluation to be a success: that is, with the result that the employee will be more effective on the job. 2. Accept employee’s feelings. The employee may show signs of stress, anger, or disagreement. Accept them. That’s not the same thing as agreeing or believing the feelings are justified. Accepting feelings (“I acknowledge that you feel that way”) and proceeding with the meeting allows you to avoid getting into a debate as to whether the reactions are genuine or justified. Move on.

Copyright AE Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

 

Use your feedreader or browser to access the newest and best resources at The Performance Management & Appraisal Help Center

Copyright Robert Bacal, 2000 - 2008 Reprint or distribution without permission prohibited.
Contact Information: | Bacal & Associates | 722 St. Isidore Rd. | Casselman, Ontario, Canada | K0A 1M0 | Phone: (613) 764-0241 | Email: ceo@work911.com |