Whether you believe so or not, employees generally do not like the performance reviews conducted by their employers, no matter how interesting or ‘fun’ the company thinks they are. No one within a company wants to hear how they performed below expectations on an annual basis, even if they actually performed well. On the other side of the desk, many managers dread dealing with the backlash, arguments and lessened morale that are a result of these reviews.
Read on to learn some way to make performance reviews more productive and likeable.
Name Expectations Off the Bat
One of the best ways to make performance reviews more productive is to name expectations right off the bat. This means that you should tell the employee what the agenda will be for the duration of the review. Also, make sure you talk about how well things have been going. Then, move into what needs to improve in the coming year. When you begin the performance review by discussing the agenda, it shows the employee that there will not be any surprises.
Offer Specific Feedback
Make it a point to offer the employee specific feedback that can be put to good use once they return to their desk. Begin the conversation by mentioning specific work-related skills the employee is excellent at performing. This shows the employee that you have noticed how well they are performing and that their work has not gone unnoticed. Opening the discussion on such a positive note helps to lessen the blow of constructive criticism that comes later in the meeting.
Ask the Employee Questions Too
Another good way to start the performance review is to ask the employee how they are doing at work. This is perfect if you want the employee to open up and offer any areas where they are struggling. It can also help you understand or learn of any issues occurring at the office you might have been unaware of at the time.
There is Always Room for Improvement
You must understand that even your strongest employees have room for improvement. Even though they might not think so, this is a fact that you must keep in the back of your mind. You cannot coast through a performance review with a stellar employee because others will find out and begin to resent you for it. You also provide a disservice to your employee by coasting through a review without offering any constructive criticism.
Outline Future Expectations
As the performance review begins to close, be sure to outline the expectations you have for the employee in the future. Do not come up with any that will overwhelm the employee, but ones that can definitely be attained with a little bit of hard work and dedication.
The bottom line here is that no one likes the performance review at work, even if they know it is going to be a good one. Try to make the discussion as stress-free as possible by putting some of the tips above to good use.