Performance Management:

Performance management encompasses the most important people issues in your organization. Performance management includes the entire relationship you have with the people you employ.

Performance management is the process of creating a work environment or setting in which people are enabled to perform to the best of their abilities. Performance management is a whole work system that begins when a job is defined as needed and expectations are clearly communicated to the employee. It ends when an employee leaves your organization.

Many writers and consultants are using the term "performance management" as a substitution for the traditional performance appraisal system. I encourage you to think of the term in this broader work system context. A performance management system includes the following components.

1. Develop clear job descriptions.

2. Select appropriate people with an appropriate selection process.

3. Negotiate requirements and accomplishment-based performance standards, outcomes, and measures.

4. Provide effective orientation, education, and training.

5. Provide on-going coaching and feedback.

6. Conduct quarterly performance development discussions.

7. Design effective compensation and recognition systems that reward people for their contributions.

8. Provide promotional/career development opportunities for staff.

9. Assist with exit interviews to understand WHY valued employees leave the organization.

Intrigued about performance management and its potential contribution within your organization?

[About the Author: Susan Heathfield is a Human Resources expert. She is a management and organization development consultant who specializes in human resources issues and in management development to create forward thinking workplaces. Susan is also a professional facilitator, speaker, trainer, and writer. Susan is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). Susan contributes regularly to professional publications including a book chapter for ASTD and a recent article in the American Society for Quality`s Journal for Quality and Participation.]