An important part of being an effective manager is the performance evaluation process. Read Time to Scrap Performance Appraisals?, which explains some of the problems with the performance evaluation process and offers some suggestions on how to make this process more meaningful and effective. After reading the article, think about your last performance evaluation (or a school-related evaluation). In your initial post, describe this evaluation. How did you feel walking out of that meeting with your manager or professor? Was it meaningful and effective? Did you have a clear understanding of your performance? Did you understand your goals and objectives?
Next, consider the "new keys to success" discussed in the article. Address the following additional questions in your initial post: Could your evaluation have been made clearer to you? Which "keys to success" would have assisted in your situation? Why?
In responding to your peers, compare and contrast the various uses or potential uses of the "keys to success."
The performance evaluation process.
Full Answer Section
However, I think that the evaluation could have been made even clearer to me. For example, my manager could have provided me with more specific examples of my work that she liked or disliked. She could have also given me more specific goals and objectives for the coming year.
I think that the "new keys to success" discussed in the article would have assisted me in my situation. For example, I think that it would have been helpful to have a more frequent and informal feedback process. This would have allowed me to get feedback on my work more quickly and to make changes as needed.
I also think that it would have been helpful to have a more collaborative approach to setting goals and objectives. This would have allowed me to have a say in what my goals were and to make sure that they were achievable.
Overall, I think that my performance evaluation was effective. However, I think that it could have been made even clearer to me and that the "new keys to success" would have assisted me in my situation.
Here are some of the problems with the performance evaluation process that are mentioned in the article:
- They are often seen as a formality.
- They can be stressful and anxiety-inducing.
- They can be biased.
- They can be used to justify unfair decisions.
- Make it more frequent and informal.
- Use a collaborative approach to setting goals and objectives.
- Focus on the employee's strengths and areas for improvement.
- Use the evaluation to provide feedback and guidance.
- Make it a two-way conversation.
Sample Answer
I have had my fair share of performance evaluations in my life, both in school and in the workplace. Some of them have been more effective than others.
One of my most recent performance evaluations was in my current role as a content writer. My manager and I met to discuss my performance over the past year. She gave me some positive feedback on my work, but she also pointed out some areas where I could improve.
I felt that the evaluation was fair and that it gave me a clear understanding of my performance. I also felt that my manager was helpful in providing me with feedback and guidance on how to improve.