Stepping Up Performance

The performance appraisal is a powerful determinant of performance. The performance appraisal is the most commonly used method of evaluating and rewarding performance. However because performance appraisal is usually closely tied to compensation, managers generally seek to “take care” of their subordinates — instead of using the performance appraisal to identify who is not performing well and then to determine why the employee performance is substandard. An effective performance review involves two-way communication, through which both the superior and subordinate share an opportunity to exchange constructive and developmental feedback that will further the employee’s overall contribution. It is the manager and supervisor who through their own commitment and enthusiasm, determine the degree of commitment in the workforce —a commitment to excellence or an acceptance of mediocrity. Since there is little hope of a miraculous breakthrough in human motivation that will provide us with generations of super performers, we had better face the reality—and hard work—of managing performance.

This compendium provides a broad spectrum of practical knowledge, research and theory relating to performance and how to improve it.