We recently completed a series of our ‘Meaningful Conversations’ training modules for Line Managers who were about to go into their performance appraisal meetings.

The subject of looking back and reviewing past performance over the previous 12 months is naturally covered, with consideration given to what your purpose is, how you should prepare and what is a good structure to follow in that part of the appraisal conversation.

There is always feedback to be given in the appraisal; there should be ‘no surprises’ in this regard for sure, but invariably there is an overall message to be played back to the appraisee, with some significant positive or constructive feedback elements within this.

As we discuss this, I often write up on a flipchart the mathematical calculations you see in the headline image of this post, and ask for feedback please; I will ask the same of you now…..

What did you notice? The final one as incorrect, or the preceding three as being right?

Most of us, which is often borne out in the training session, will spot the error, the break in the pattern first; of course, this is part of the story – however, one might argue, a bigger part of the story is that 75% are correct.

The challenge is to change our default setting; spot what is going right first – get good at giving praise accordingly; it leads to a much more meaningful and productive conversation – you will still get to the error, but you approach it from a very different angle, and ensure that all the learning from what has gone well, is drawn out, celebrated and is used to help an individual do even better next time.

John

www.bowlandsolutions.com