Performance Evaluations also known as Performance Appraisals is a process where job performance is measured, documented and evaluated.  The evaluation of performance can be formal and/or informal.  Early in the development of organizations things are very fluid and people are asked to step in and perform multiple roles.  The performance evaluations during these early stages may be more informal, occurring over a series of conversations that are suitable for the changing environment.  As the company grows there is a need to move toward formal performance evaluations that is part of a systematic approach used to help manage employee performance, and conversely employee engagement and success. 

This week’s show focuses on removing the fear from performance appraisals, by establishing formal appraisals that are actually engaging to your people, and not just judging them unfairly or suddenly. Done well you will find that Formal Appraisals can be a big positive in an organisation, but they do take focus to get them right. So why do they have the habit of generating so much fear and unrest for everyone involved. In essence formal appraisals were once mostly just used to judge success against very black and white parameters and metrics, often unexpectedly or without prior communication. 

This is where the fear associated with them stemmed from, being judged against things you may not be able to control directly. This never makes people feel safe or valued. The interesting thing is both employees, and the managers and leaders doing performance appraisals often dread the experience, or are downright scared. If this is the case in your business then we need to fix it as soon as possible!