Related Sponsors

What isn�t a Performance Appraisal?

Home » Assessment » Performance Appraisals » What isn�t a Performance Appraisal?

� An excuse to criticize.

A performance appraisal is not an excuse to criticize or reprimand an employee. You don�t want your employees to fear this annual event, wondering just what ammunition you�ve stored up to fire at them behind closed doors. A good performance appraisal will encompass all of the �check-in� talks you�ve had throughout the year, whether good and bad, and will give you and the employee a chance to follow up on the year�s events.

� An attack on an employee�s personality.

A performance appraisal is just that�an appraisal of the employee�s performance, not personality. Of course, an employee�s personality often dictates performance. But to keep you out of hot water, use this time to discuss specific actions, behaviors, and attitudes that affect an employee�s performance. For example, you might think an employee is much too chatty with her co-workers. Instead, bring up the fact that she often spends 20 minutes talking with co-workers, even on days that she says she�s swamped with work. Point out the action, not the personality type that leads her to talk so much.

� A monologue.

During a performance appraisal, you should listen at least as much as you talk. You have your issues you�d like to discuss, but so does your employee. Frequently ask whether the employee has questions, comments, anything to add. You want him or her to feel valued, respected, and cared for. What better what to show those things than to listen?

Next Page: Where do I find, or how do I create, performance appraisal forms?

Related Performance Appraisals Articles