Performance reviews make my head hurt. Typically it’s over questions that would seem like common sense to me.
Back up your statements with data
Yes you have to do it
No, I’m not doing it for you
You know, typical performance review arguments with managers who are busy, busy, busy.
One argument I just don’t understand is “I don’t give fives, ever.” Ok, then why are they on the performance review, let’s just make it a 1-4 scale; but then you’d never give fours so let’s just make it a 1-3 scale. You can see where I’m going with this.
I’ve had this argument with CEO’s, VPs, Managers, and it always goes the same. Yes some people over use them but as HR and/or upper tier managers, it’s our job to pull them back and explain the circumstances of giving a five.
When employees do exceedingly well, and I’m talking about blowing goals out of the water, that deserves a five; give it where deserved. Employees that have mostly five should already be on a plan to move them up in the organization. As a manager, I’m assuming you are coaching and mentoring these super stars, because you’re a good manager like that.
In an ideal world we wouldn’t need performance reviews because all managers would coach their employees and give them feedback on a regular basis. But alas, we aren’t in a perfect world. If you’re doing performance reviews, don’t hold back on high marks just because. If your employees knocked it out of the park, give them a five.
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Sometimes the unspoken “just because” is fear of having the tough conversation if they don’t earn the 5 the next year and when I hear that, I go right into exactly what you stated above . . .explain expectations to earn a 5, back your statements with data and provide regular feedback. Nice post.
Anytime I get the spoken ‘just because’, I drive managers crazy with ‘but why’. Thanks for the comment Lisa!
I love it when managers say “No one deserves a 5″ because then it tells me they don’t train and develop their people. It makes it that much easier to tell them that their not doing their jobs and therefore they deserve a “2″.
Great post April!