[Part 3] ManageBetter's Comprehensive Guide to Performance Reviews: Empowering Your Team
Performance reviews are about people, not just processes or tools. Transform your performance management system by equipping managers and employees to have discussions about growth and development.
In this third installment of our 6-part series, we focus on equipping managers with tools for employee communication and development. We'll explore strategies to enhance your review process and create a culture of improvement.
Preparing Managers for the Review Process
Managers benefit from refreshers on review techniques. CEB found 9 in 10 HR leaders don't believe their performance system delivers value, often due to poor manager preparation.
For Managers
Attend training on performance management
Practice difficult conversations through role-playing
Stay updated on company policies and legal requirements
For HR
Develop training for managers on performance management
Provide support and resources for managers during reviews
Create feedback loop to improve manager training
Best Practice
Offer a mix of online and in-person training options to accommodate learning styles and schedules.
Challenge
Develop a training program on review procedures and tools along with soft skills for performance conversations.
ManageBetter in Action
Master ManageBetter's efficient data entry for feedback, notes, and goals. Learn to interpret ManageBetter’s performance data accurately.
Communicating the Review Process to Employees
Transparency builds trust and reduces anxiety around reviews. Reflektive found 92% of employees want more feedback than an annual review.
For Both Managers and HR Professionals
Communicate review process, timeline, and expectations to all employees
Encourage employees to self-reflect on performance
Be open to questions and concerns about the review process
Additional HR Responsibilities
Develop a communication plan for the review cycle
Create FAQs to address employee concerns
Train managers on effectively communicating the review process to their teams
Best Practice
Use multiple communication channels to ensure all employees understand the process.
Challenge
Overcoming employee skepticism about reviews.
ManageBetter in Action
Use ManageBetter’s 360 reviews to gather additional peer input for employee evaluations. ManageBetter's point-and-click system makes peer reviews a breeze, with no writing required.
Providing Training and Support for Reviews
Reviews require a diverse set of skills, from setting expectations to providing feedback and coaching. A Gartner study found that organizations with managers who are effective at performance management achieve 14% higher employee engagement.
For Managers
Attend comprehensive training sessions on performance management skills
Practice giving feedback through role-playing exercises
Seek opportunities to apply learning in real-world situations
Regularly request feedback on your management skills
For HR
Develop a robust training curriculum covering all aspects of performance management
Offer diverse training formats, including workshops, e-learning, and micro-learning resources
Provide ongoing support to help managers and employees apply their learning
Establish a feedback loop to continuously improve training programs
Best Practice
Implement a "train the trainer" program where experienced managers mentor newer ones in performance management skills.
Challenge
Implement role-play exercises that address poor performance, recognize achievers, and navigate difficult conversations.
ManageBetter in Action
Master ManageBetter's 30 competencies to pinpoint employee performance. From Accountability to Written Communication, these tools help you accurately identify strengths and weaknesses. Use them to conduct precise, effective reviews.
Conclusion
We've learned that effective performance management hinges on team empowerment. To achieve this, we've identified these key strategies:
Train managers in review skills
Involve employees in the process
Provide training and support
In Part 4, we'll explore how to conduct conversations that drive results. Learn to transform reviews into dialogues that inspire action and development.
