Performance Management

Performance appraisal means evaluating an employee’s current and/or past performance relative to their performance standards. Appraisal involves more than forms. It also requires setting performance standards, and assumes that the employee receives the training, feedback, and incentives required to eliminate performance deficiencies. Stripped to its essentials, performance appraisal always involves the three-step performance appraisal process: Setting work standards. Second, assessing the employee’s actual performance relative to those standards (this often involves some rating form). Third, providing feedback to the employee with the aim of helping him or her to eliminate performance deficiencies or to continue to perform above par. Effective appraisals actually begin before the actual appraisal, with the manager defining the employee’s job and performance criteria. Defining the job means making sure that you and your subordinate agree on their duties and job standards and on the appraisal method you will use.