Most organizations reach a point where they could substantially benefit from formalizing their performance management system. Doing so typically is not easy, of course. Many employers prop up an old system involving an employee manual, perhaps various memos, and an annual job review only to see it falter in effectiveness or even collapse. To succeed at executing an effective performance management system, you need to build a solid frame by recognizing the foundational details.

Common tasks

Information overload is inherent to the development of any performance management system. So do not be surprised if you and your team initially feel overwhelmed. To help you set realistic expectations, here are some of the most common tasks associated with designing a system:

• Choose the number and types of performance categories to assess.
• Design performance review forms that are fair and appropriate for all employees.
• Establish a sensible timeframe for establishing and reviewing job duties and objectives.
• Set up a schedule of formal job reviews, check-ins, and other interactions.
• Secure approvals from managers and ownership.

By completing these tasks, and others like them, you will form the frame of your performance management system. It is here that careful, patient construction is paramount. Undertaken hastily, you could inadvertently create a cumbersome, bureaucratic, and ultimately ineffective system.

Establish time estimates for implementing and administering each step in the new performance-management process. Specifically, ascertain the time each supervisor and staff member will spend during each step. Try to come up with ways to help both manage their time appropriately, such as implementing mandatory check-in sheets or setting up email reminders.

Sensible structure

It can be a painful irony when a performance management system ends up inhibiting supervisors and employees from doing their jobs and being productive. Done right, however, this system can provide a solid structure for maximizing performance and helping employees envision their future with your organization. Contact us for more ideas on enhancing employee performance.