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From NetSpeed Leader Volume 18, July 2004
Performance Appraisal Source Book: A Collection of Practical Samples is just that—a rich collection of sample performance appraisal forms, accompanied by five instructive chapters. By HR Consultant Mike Deblieux, this paperback volume, accompanied by a CD-ROM of forms, is practical, concise, and well-grounded.
As a collection of performance review forms, the book is comprehensive, with about 180 pages of forms. It includes sample forms for these purposes: introductory period reviews (3 samples), employee input to reviews (4 samples), midyear reviews (2), job trait or competence-based reviews (5), job duty or goal-based reviews (8), supervisor and management reviews (2), upward reviews (that is, employee reviews of supervisors, (2), 360-degree reviews (4), exempt employee reviews (3), and job-specific reviews (4). The forms vary widely, from 90-day reviews with check boxes to self-evaluations that require narrative responses.
Whereas some collections of forms are primarily blank lines, these forms offer rich content. For instance, one form reviewing accomplishments includes these descriptors for the category “results-focused”:
- Looks for and seizes opportunities to do more or to do things better
- Has a sense of ownership, pride, continuous improvement and urgency about tasks
- Sees obstacles as “challenges” and enjoys overcoming them
- Is very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes towards and achieves agreed-upon results
- Can work effectively within the organization; knows how to get things done
In addition to dozens of forms, the book contains five chapters on performance management: “Designing a Performance Review System,” “Legal Considerations,” “Implementing an Effective Performance Review System,” “Planning, Presenting, and Finalizing the Review,” and “After the Review.” While brief (about 40 pages total), these chapters provide essential information and guidance for implementing a performance management system.
The chapter on legal considerations provides useful examples of how to describe performance issues. For instance, it provides this paragraph to illustrate the vague statement “Your customer service skills need some work”:
Three customers have complained about the service you provided to them. One indicated that you were rude. When I asked her what she meant by “rude,” she told me that you turned your back and walked away from her when she asked you about an extended warranty. When I asked you what had happened with this customer, you told me that you thought she was asking too many questions.
Performance Appraisal Source Book: A Collection of Practical Samples is especially valuable for those who want to create or revamp a performance appraisal system. Published last year by the Society for Human Resource Management, it is priced at $42.95 in paperback, with a discount for SHRM members. |
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