Intro to the Top Ten Tips...

Each month, Tim posts his 'Top Ten Tips' for HR practitioners on various subjects. This month's subject is 'Performance Reviews - why Managers and Employees fail to do a good job'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

Reviews, whether full year-end reviews or interim reviews should not be 'surprises' to either party;

Communicate the schedule well in advance and remind all employees regularly of their joint preparation responsibilities;

Focus the review on what was agreed earlier. It makes little sense to comment inordinately on any items that are now introduced in the review as new material and were previously not discussed and agreed;

Treat employees as you would wish to be treated by your Manager - with courtesy and respect, regardless of the review's contents and potential outcomes;

Don't resort to threats, snide remarks or inappropriate comparisons with other employees;

Take a 'time-out', as necessary. Who said a performance review had to be completed in the allotted discussion timeframe?;

Use the performance discussion as a two-way communication & learning tool, not as an interview;

When the current year's commentary is mutually agreed, move along to discuss the upcoming year's business and personal objectives;

Remember..this activity is the one that Managers consistently do badly. It is a source of constant fear and loathing by many employees for simple reasons... managers are poorly prepared and ill-equipped to handle tough issues in a leadership-like fashion.

Think about the recent experience and how it could be improved, where necessary.

Timetable 2000/2001/2002 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
November 2002	Performance Reviews - why Managers and Employees fail to do a good job
October 2002	Severance/Dismissals 'for Cause' - how to strike a balance
September 2002	Developing HR staff for the medium term...how to build the right HR skills for HR's clients for the balance of this decade
August 2002	How to make an external 'Coach' a positive work experience
July 2002	How to prepare for that job offer. What is the appropriate etiquette?
June 2002	How to stay 'pumped' when you are between jobs and the immediate prospects look tough
May 2002	Enforcement of substance abuse infractions - do's and don't's
April 2002	Substance Abuse in the Workplace - Generic Rights & Responsibilities of all parties
March 2002	Post-interview evaluation and feedback. How to add value for your clients
February 2002	Behavioural Interviewing: sense or nonsense? How to get the best from improved hiring techniques
January 2002	Recognition Programs - the right set-up for employee acceptance and corporate success
December 2001	HR work habits for 2002. The need for reform
November 2001	Downsizing aftermath...how to keep the survivors focused for the future
October 2001	How to plan strategically for downsizing, maintaining HR's credibility and employee loyalty
September 2001	Collective Bargaining...now you have the deal, how do you make it work?
August 2001	Managing Consulting Costs...how to keep hold of the reins and avoid surprises
July 2001	Expatriate Career Assignments...how to manage the risk and improve the odds of a 'win/win' for employee and employer
June 2001	Part Two of 'Browsers' Choices'... some tips on how to migrate successfully from 'A' to 'B' in a prudent, yet urgent, manner
May 2001	Part One of 'Browsers' Choices'... a summary of the 'new & old world' of HR business
April 2001	Managing promises and expectations during the "R" word
March 2001	'High Potential' Employees...how to ensure they don't sit out the game, then leave
February 2001	How to write really useful Job Descriptions...connecting the business dots
January 2001	Outsourcing...the 'Catch 22' for HR Managers
December	Spreading scarce bonus/incentive dollars...best bang for the buck
November	Ethical Practices in Performance Appraisal & Related Salary Admin
October	Stock Option Plan Design in private companies heading for an 'IPO'
September	Key Lessons in 'Downsizing'...maintaining business & employee relationships under difficult circumstances
August	Grievance management in unionized and non-unionized workplaces
July	Business Planning in HR...how to flex HR's muscle
June	Settling post-termination disputes; mutual gains
May	360° Feedback...is it right for you?
April	Harassment in the Workplace...practical considerations
March	Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace