Free Performance Log Template

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Supporting your employees and fostering their improvements is a crucial part of being a successful manager. Often, there is not enough time in the day to individually check in with every employee frequently and offer them tailored feedback. In addition, some employees would prefer written feedback to refer to throughout the workday. ManagerBetter has created a simple performance log that you can use to track your employee’s performance easily. 

How Can I Implement a Performance Log as a Manager? 

Sometimes, you will observe your employees doing parts of their job well and poorly throughout the day. The purpose of this performance log is to allow you to quickly write down something you notice about the employee, both negative and positive. As a manager, you can have these logs printed out and sitting in the office, where you can find them easily. Having these logs will make it easier to do the following as a manager: 

  • Have effective coaching sessions with an employee

  • Have material to turn to when it comes time for formal performance reviews

  • Allows you to quickly see trends in the office performance habits

  • Can foster more directed coaching tactics with employees on a day-to-day basis

Employee Performance Log: Key Components 

Here is an overview of ManagerBetter’s performance log template for employees. Each section can be filled out with simple bullet points. Click here to download the template. 

  • Explain the Employee’s Strengths 

Take time to observe the employee and record things that they have strong success in. Reassuring the employee of their strengths prevents confusion when they later reflect on what they need to improve on. In addition, this section can help you as a manager tailor tasks that play best to that specific employee’s strengths. 

  • Explain Where the Employee Should Look to Improve

Here you can include any areas where you notice the employee needs to focus. This can range from any technical skills to even things such as their focus within the office. Draw attention to any habitual actions that may be preventing the employee from reaching their full potential in the office. 

  • Present the Employee with Easy Steps to Success 

List pieces of advice you may have to help the employee overcome some of their weaknesses. This does not have to be an exhaustive list of steps to success, but try to think of something tangible that can help the employee. Importantly, make sure these ideas would be helpful for the specific employee and their improvements.

  • Offer the Employee Support 

After presenting the employee with their strengths and weaknesses, don’t leave them feeling unsupported. Making changes can be difficult to do, especially with habitual actions. Offer up some kind words and suggestions here to show your investment in the employee’s wellbeing. 

  • Meet with the Employee to Check-In on Improvements

Meeting with the employee immediately is not always necessary to reach improvements. Allow the employee to have some time to reflect on this feedback on their own and make attempts for change. Try to include a meeting date within 2-3 weeks of giving the feedback to make sure the employee has time to create their own plan and make some progress towards goals. In addition, save a copy of this form to refer to during the meeting to make sure all aspects of the observations are addressed. 

Conclusion

As a manager, you seek to improve your employees frequently. It can be difficult to find the time to coach them and keep up with your own tasks. Using an employee performance log can allow you to track progress as the employee progresses through their time with the company and guide them towards making improvements that impact the success of the team. In doing so, you are able to build up the team and promote their overall well-being. 

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