How Do You Write Effective Performance Appraisals?
Writing an effective performance appraisal starts before you ever put pen to paper. Your subordinates must first understand what is required of them and then you must make observations of their behavior. When they get something right or when they do something wrong, write it down and keep it in a file until it’s time to write the appraisal. Now, when it comes time to actually write the appraisal, you have a stack of notes available to make the process go very smoothly. Gather all the notes you have on the person whose performance is being considered. Divide the into three stacks—exceeds standards, meets standards, and is below standards. The standard you are measuring against is the performance expectations that were clearly presented to them throughout the rating period. Failure to rate against a clearly communicated set of expectations will make the appraisal ineffective. Use the “meets standards” pile to write the first part. Clearly define the standard and clearly demonstrate how
