Here at Portfolio Directors, we like to do things a bit differently and we really value the fact that we are a home-based business. As the team is growing we are trying to make sure that as well as the ongoing updates that we have, we make time to do a formal appraisal and today was the day.
We were just trying to decide where to go and the idea came up of going to sit by the log burner in the lounge, so that’s where we went – we drew up two chairs and sat and had a cosy chat about how things were going – sounds lovely doesn’t it?? But as we were talking, it struck me that we had removed a layer of formality that always seems to makes appraisals a bit nerve wracking – and for the appraisees that can only be good!! So from now on, I’m all for appraisals in a private -but slightly less imposing atmosphere – something that would have been difficult for me to achieve in my old corporate business life.
While I’m on the subject of appraisals – here’s a few of my top tips:-
Firstly – make sure that you’ve both prepared for the meeting. A written form that is filled in beforehand is a good idea – but do make sure that you ask the questions that you as a business are really interested in – don’t just blindly use a template form.
2 Try and ensure that your communication is good all year round and as a result that the topics that you raise in an appraisal don’t come as a shock. If your employee didn’t have a clue that they weren’t meeting expectations then your ongoing communication has not been good enough.
3 Put people at their ease and listen to them – appraisals are meant to be a conversation not a monologue by you!
4 Make sure that you give good feedback and are clear about successes and issues that need addressing. Encourage the appraisee to say how they thought they got on and how they would address issues.
5 Agree and document actions and objectives – and make sure that you ask them for feedback on how you can improve your management of them – appraisals are a great opportunity to get feedback on your performance as well!
It’s a big topic and I’ve just covered off a few relevant points above – properly conducted appraisals can be extremely useful and motivating – but badly conducted ones can do more harm than good!
5 Responses
I really like this blog. Please continue the great work. Regards!!!
Thanks Pete – I’m new to all this so just learning!
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My name is Piter Jankovich. oOnly want to tell, that your blog is really cool
And want to ask you: is this blog your hobby?
P.S. Sorry for my bad english
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