Performance Appraisal Information Resources Basics

Get training before review time with performance appraisal research
By Shalleen Mayes Performance appraisal info can give a valuable boost to any manager charged with delivering the good and bad news to employees regarding their performance. When performed correctly and in the right spirit, performance appraisals can help employees improve their performance and reach their goals.
 

It's important for managers to study performance appraisal information resources. Basics of performance review will set you on the right path before you sit across the desk from a nervous employee. Luckily, there are many performance appraisal reference materials available, as well as systems you can order and even consultants you can hire. With help, you can deliver constructive criticism that will boost your employee and your company.

To get the most out of performance appraisal resources, consider the following tips:

1. Be consistent. Use your performance appraisal reference materials to create a standard form, and use the same timeline for all employees.

2. Give your employees a heads-up by giving them two weeks' notice of their pending review.

3. Make sure you're communicating year-round with your employees, not just at review time. There should be no surprises during the review.

Take time to read performance appraisal reference material

Before you invest your time and money into a performance appraisal kit, with its standard forms and key performance appraisal phrases, invest time learning about the reasons performance evaluations are a necessity in business. By approaching your goal in this way, you may discover the process is more valuable than you previously believed.
Try: Free Management Library is a great source of information on performance appraisals. Work 911 discusses the point of performance evaluations: to improve performance in the future.

Use performance appraisal resources to change your old ways

It may make sense for your company to invest in a performance appraisal information resource that will overhaul your previous way of conducting employee evaluations, or start one if you've never had a system in place before. Make sure you receive training along with the package to get the best value for your investment.
Try: The Archer North Performance Appraisal System (ANPAS) is a package including three versions of appraisals, appraisal forms for management and sales, a user's manual in MS Word and training slides in Powerpoint. Zigon Performance can assess your current performance appraisal system, recommend improvements or customize a new system and train your evaluators.

Use computer programs that offer performance appraisal information

Computer software programs can dramatically cut the time needed to complete evaluations. Look for performance appraisal resources that simplify the human resources functions all in one place.
Try: Halogen eAppraisal is a web-based software program that takes the guesswork out of employee evaluation time with a host of performance appraisal resources, such as employee performance journals and authoring tools, including key performance evaluation phrases. Manager Assistant is a complete employee management software program, helping you to stay organized as you complete necessary reports.

• Make sure your employee evaluations are legal. There's a long list of things you shouldn't say. Consult your company lawyer if you need performance appraisal info.