On-going Management of Performance

Regular feedback and discussion

• On-going discussions with employees about their work should be an inevitable part of the manager-employee relationship.
• Pep talks can be used regularly with staff performing to variable standards.
• Sometimes a short chat with a focus can help an employee to regain their commitment. These are similar to one-to-ones, but are impromptu and are useful where an issue can be handled immediately as it can help build competence by supporting and rectifying the problem quickly.

Interim reviews (SRDS)

• Once objectives have been set they should be regularly reviewed between the manager and the staff member to check on progress, and to ensure they are still relevant.
• Holding an occasional interim review meeting during the year will allow the manager and staff member to focus on objectives in more detail.
• Any agreed changes to objectives and expectations should be recorded and regularly reviewed thereafter via on-going discussions and interim reviews to ensure they remain relevant and achievable.
  

One-to-One interaction

• One-to-ones are meetings that take place regularly on a face-to-face basis.
• Weekly one-to-ones may be necessary in the early stages of employment, where a new task or project has been introduced or where there are any difficulties.
• Monthly one-to-ones work well with highly experienced staff that may see increased regularity as micromanaging.

These meetings are a ‘conversation’ focusing on key areas that will make a difference to the performance of the individual. Meetings should be uninterrupted, structured, planned and recorded. This may mean taking your own notes or recording agreed actions by email. They do not need a formal SRDS appraisal form.

The key element of a one-to-one meeting is that it is open. It is an opportunity to give and receive feedback, review the employee’s objectives, cover issues and problems and discuss training and development needs and plans. It is also an opportunity to correct and to praise performance. It is part of building a long-term relationship with individuals.