Performance evaluations are essential to improving employee performance, yet supervisors often avoid them like the plague. Take the drudgery out of the review process. Read on for tips that will turn your performance review process into a positive experience!

Ann Clifford

Dos and Don'ts
What should you do if a candidate refuses to sign a performance appraisal?

See answer provided below.

Evaluations: Change your Approach
Performance reviews can be stressful for both employees and managers, especially when an employee is not performing to expectations. Focusing on past mistakes and failures rarely creates positive results. Diffuse tension by concentrating on future development goals, rather than past behavior.

As a manager, you will have a better chance of creating the behavior you seek by establishing specific goals for "development areas." First, ask the employee to self-assess their performance and outline their own professional goals for the next year. Then, identify ways you and other members of the company can help the individual meet these goals. Constructive criticism can be woven into the discussion and will be accepted more openly if it helps the employee reach their goals.

If you would like a copy of the Safari Solutions' "Employee Self Assessment & Goal Setting Form," please click here.

(By Allison Witmeier, Safari Solutions, HR Consultant)

5 Ways to Improve Evaluations!
Performance evaluations, if conducted effectively, can lead to professional growth and success for both the employee and the manager. Here are a few ways to turn this disliked ritual into a positive experience.

Conduct the meeting in a neutral area.

Use behavior-based language, rather than judgmental labels such as "good" and "bad."

Set clear and measurable goals for the next year.

Establish rewards for meeting goals and consequences if goals are not met.

Discuss annual raises in a follow up meeting.

Safari Interview Tip
Ask candidates about their professional goals for the next three years. Once hired, refer back to these when setting annual performance objectives. Develop a plan that will help the employee meet their goals while also benefiting the company. For example, if an employee desires further management responsibilities, set a goal to attend a management seminar.

Safari Success Story
Safari Solutions assisted GovPayEXP in a nationwide search for a Controller that would fit into their high energy culture. Targeted advertising in a number of key cities resulted in the hire of an expert in their industry, credit card processing.

Did You Know
Safari Solutions has moved! Our new office is located at 5655 Castle Creek Pkwy N. Dr, #200, Indianapolis, IN 46250. We are enjoying our new office space and welcome you to stop by and visit!