It can be easy to avoid addressing poor performance and ignoring issues. However, effective performance management is essential for a successful thriving business. Here are some common performance management mistakes employers make, and how to avoid them.
Lack of clear expectations and goals
Without a clear roadmap, staff can become frustrated and confused. It’s essential to set up clear expectations and goals from the start so that employees understand what’s expected of them. It’s an idea to set SMART (Specific, Measureable, Achieveable, Releveant and Time-bound) goals. The expectations for these should be clearly communicated with employees during appraisals or reviews. Review these regularly check on the progress, and establish whether any additional support is needed to achieve them.
Avoiding regular feedback
Managing performance should be a continuous ongoing process, not an annual one-off event. Waiting for an annual review to give feedback is a surefire way to demotivate employees and hinder their progress. Start a culture of regular and constructive feedback involving regular check-ins to recognise achievements, and concerns and offer ongoing support. This will help staff to feel supported and motivated to achieve their goals. Read Breathe’s guide to providing feedback.
Ignoring development opportunities
In smaller businesses, where budgets and time are tight, development opportunities can often get missed for staff. However, investing in their development will have a long-term impact on the business and its productivity. The key is to create a robust development plan that identifies employee strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Give access to training programmes, mentoring, and resources that can help them to thrive and develop their skills. If you’re unsure where to start, read our guide to setting up a training scheme.
Inconsistent review process across the business
Consistency is key when it comes to performance management. If standards, processes and expectations vary across the organisation it can lead to resentment and frustration. All performance standards should be uniform and fair to all staff. Criteria needs to apply to all employees, whilst still taking into account individual roles and responsibilities.
Ignoring employee well-being
Another common performance management mistake is ignoring employee wellbeing. It’s more important than ever to create a healthy working environment for morale, retention and motivation. Keep an eye out for balanced workload distribution, recognising and addressing the signs of burnout. Encourage a healthy work-life balance, prioritising mental health initiatives. Read our guide to helping employees avoid burnout.
Failing to recognise employee success
How can employees improve and develop if they don’t know how they are doing? Being on the receiving end of positive feedback is always appreciated by employees. It can also be a motivator to repeat this behaviour and a driver to achieve more. Recognition can come in many forms, through a formal performance management process or staff rewards and recognition. Take a look at our blog on how to incentivise staff without money.
Avoiding difficult conversations
We all know it’s easier to bury our heads in the sand and avoid difficult or awkward conversations. Whether it’s tackling poor performance, workplace conflict or behaviour, avoiding or procrastinating will only ever just exacerbate the issue. Managers need to be equipped with the skills and tools needed to navigate those challenging conversations effectively. If managers are not confident in tackling these issues consider training courses that can help them develop the communication skills needed.
Fear of difficult conversations
Avoiding difficult conversations is a common trap and a typical performance management mistake. Whether it’s addressing underperformance, conflicts, or other issues, procrastination only exacerbates the problem. Equip managers with the skills and tools needed to navigate challenging discussions effectively. Encourage open communication channels and guide them on approaching these conversations with empathy and constructive solutions. Download our free eBook on how to handle difficult conversations.
Not adapting to change
Performance management strategies must align and adjust to changing business dynamics. Performance management processes should be regularly reviewed to make sure they reflect industry trends, achievements and general shifts within the organisation. Flexibility and agility will be key for businesses in the coming year.
Little or no documentation
Having inconsistent or inadequate record-keeping can end up leading to disputes and misunderstandings. A good performance review process will be underpinned by good documentation. This will serve as a valuable reference point during the reviews, and to monitor performance throughout the year. It also helps ensure the process is transparent and that staff are accountable for their targets and achievements.
Successful performance management is a multifaceted process that needs a strategic approach. By avoiding these common performance management mistakes, employers can create a culture of continuous improvement, employee satisfaction and organisational success. Embrace clear communication, regular feedback, and a commitment to employee development to unlock the full potential of your team and propel your business forward in the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of under-performance?
Typically, common signs include failing to meet targets, an inability to consistently maintain good performance, being unable to keep up skills, poor customer or client service and signs of low productivity.
Do you have any guides and tips on performance management?
We have lots of free guidance available below and within our blog including advice on alternatives to annual appraisals and managing reviews remotely.
Do you offer performance management training for managers?
Yes we run a course for anyone who manages staff and is responsible for performance reviews or appraisals. This includes experienced managers who may have run reviews in the past. It can be delivered online or face to face.
I am concerned about an underperforming employee, where can I get some advice?
You can book in a free 15 minute advisory call with one of our consultants who will offer advice on what you can do to tackle the issue.