#workmotivation

In most jobs, performance reviews have historically been seen as an unpleasant once-a-year event. To make it worse, what if performance management did not have to be people checking boxes or rehashing goals that were set a year earlier? When if performance management was continuously evolving and adapting for the continual development, performance and progress for both individuals and organizations but fostered an objective of their very best selves?

This is the distinction that a contemporary performance management system (PMS) offers. It is not just that you are replacing scorecards with development opportunities for people. An ideal performance management system is an agile ecosystem where individuals are conveying feedback and receiving feedback on an ongoing basis, recognition occurs in real time, and others can see the progress. No one is waiting for an annual review to find whether they are on or off track. Staff are being supported through coaching and mentoring, and professional conversations are occurring regularly.

An effective performance management system shifts the focus away from any levels of judgment and is more towards development; it has been built upon clear levels of communication between employees and leaders. Goals are not just set or imposed; they are a collaborative effort. There is no fear of accountability, and there are attempts that are underpinned with a level of support throughout the whole process.

A performance culture must also focus on celebrating wins - small or large - not just focusing on development opportunities and what is lacking. There is an awareness of what each individual does well so that it can be used in developing performance. It is about routinely making others feel appreciated and empowered for the contributions they make, no matter how small. Everyone benefits from routinely being aligned with more extensive team goals, and if done correctly, builds a platform of trust.

More importantly, this is not just an individual system; it is a system to influence the health of a company. Teams become energized, focused and motivated. Managers develop as leaders.