Getting Appraisals To Work

Situation
A manufacturing company with 65 employees had an appraisal system in place but feedback from a staff survey revealed that reviews often did not take place for years at a time, if at all, and when they did take place were often not seen as helpful.

Solution
Working firstly with senior management, Carole facilitated a meeting which agreed that reviews are important to the company's management. Next, formal training for managers was introduced to carry out appraisals. Over time, a competency framework and 360 degree feedback has also been added to the process. In addition, Carole Manship sits in on reviews to facilitate the new style of appraisal. This has worked out so successfully, that she continues to sit in on virtually all staff reviews.

Result
Reviews take place on a regular basis and are seen by managers and staff as a definite improvement. They are now focused on objectives and training and development. Growing evidence shows much is being achieved. Reviewers say they feel there is help on hand to get through difficult moments; those being reviewed say that the presence of an outsider makes the reviewer stay more focused. All say it has helped in improving communication and relationships with each other. The company sailed through its last IIP assessment.