Getting those processes in place!

“I meant to do that, but I didn’t have the time. I didn’t get round to it”.

I coach a lot of people in business who raise this cry. They then complain to me that their team is not performing productively, or cohesively. It is my job to introduce performance management into the organization, and to get it up and running.

There are three basic components to this process. The first is the planning stage; the second is to identify the activities taking place; and the third is to monitor them.

The last stage is crucial. It is so important to invite staff to a meeting to discuss the procedures, and ways of following them up.

Usually, large companies have their own pro forma. I have helped smaller businesses create pro forma tailored to their own needs.

A male manager asked me to help him improve the performance of his team. I assessed the needs of the individual members of staff, as well as those of the organization. Together we identified a clear sense of direction.

We looked at the training and development needs of the staff. We drew up goals for them to work towards as a team.

Once the pro forma was set up we had a staff meeting, so that all the staff could be involved. We invited them to complete the pro forma, and then to come back to the manager individually to discuss the outcome.

The manager asked them to assess past, present and future performance. How did they fit in to the organization as an individual?

I believe passionately that these processes create a united and collaborative team, working for the same ends. Regular performance management prevents in-team fighting.

How often should these reviews take place? Once every quarter would be more effective than twice, or once, a year. As soon as professional development needs are identified, then extra training or coaching can be sought.

Good time management is essential. Often, performance appraisals are put to the bottom of the pile. There are more pressing issues, like getting the products out to the customer, or report writing for senior management.

For an organization to work effectively, its people should be its number one priority. Discuss this at your staff meetings, and get everyone committed. Make each and every person responsible in your team.

You’ll be surprised how positive the results are.

As the manager said, “I wish I’d done this before. My team is functioning so productively. Since I have made time to do their appraisals, they are all so positive.”

By Julianne Kuhlmann
Personal & Leadership Coach
Kool Results
"Putting You First"
Personal & Business Coaching, Leadership Development, Individual Training Programs,Work/life balance, Mentoring & Induction, Organisational performance

Email: info@koolresults.com.au Web: www.koolresults.com.au