Ten Golden Rules For Conducting Performance Review Meetings

Here are some simple rules for making sure you manage your appraisal interviews more effectively. 

1. Be prepared – Both parties need to have given thought to the key areas for discussion and what outcomes they expect from the meeting.
   
2. Create the right atmosphere – A successful meeting depends on creating an informal environment in which full, frank but friendly discussion can take place.
   
3. Work to a clear structure – The meeting should be planned to cover all the points identified during preparation, allowing time for the individual to express his or her views fully.
   
4. Use praise – Praise which is sincere and deserved for a specific achievement will help relax individuals.  Everyone needs encouragement and appreciation.
   
5. Let individuals do most of the talking – This enables them to get things off their chest and helps them feel they are getting a fair hearing.
   
6. Invite self-appraisal – Self-appraisal aims to help people see how things look from their own point of view.  Many people underestimate themselves.  Ask questions such as:
   • How well do you feel you have done?
   • What do you feel are your strengths?
   • Why do you think that project/task went well?
     
7. Discuss performance, not personality – Discussions on performance should be based on factual evidence, not opinion.  Always refer to actual events or behaviour and to results compared with agreed performance measures.  Individuals should be given plenty of scope to explain why something did or did not happen.
   
8. Encourage analysis of performance – Don’t just hand out praise or blame.  Discuss jointly why things went well or badly and what can be done to maintain the standard or improve performance.
   
9. Don’t deliver unexpected criticisms – There should be no surprises.  Feedback on performance should be immediate; it should not have waited for the annual review.
   
10. Agree measurable objectives, any development, and a plan of action – The aim should be to end the review on a positive note.

For further information or to book a course please contact:

Faye Shipley
T:  01789 734300
E:  fayes@structuredtraining.com