Appraisal Interviews: What To Say & How To Say It

STEPS TOWARDS A GOOD APPRAISALperformance appraisal process. The supervisor learns
INTERVIEW:how the employee feels about the work environment.
Don't say: "You just don't seem to care about doing aThis will very often provide important insights into the
good job." "You seem to be more interested in scoringemployee's job performance quality.
points against Charlie than in working with him." "You'reHere is some advice for supervisors that will contribute
too defensive." Do: Stick to behavior. say, "Here's whatto a successful appraisal interview. 1. Listen to
I saw," or, "Here's what I heard you say."employee. The successful evaluation is a dialogue. The
Here is some advice for supervisors that will contributesupervisor must be prepared to listen to the employee,
to a successful appraisal interview. 1. Stick to goals.just as the supervisor expects the employee to listen.
Measure performance against previously discussedAfter all, the employee has a very important stake in
and agreed upon goals. 2. Do not discuss rewards..the evaluation. Also, the employee usually wants the
Make a statement at the beginning such as, "While thisevaluation to be a success: that is, with the result that
appraisal may be the basis for a raise, we are gettingthe employee will be more effective on the job. 2.
together today to review performance past andAccept employee's feelings. The employee may show
present and then discuss an improvement plan.signs of stress, anger, or disagreement. Accept them.
Information about raises and promotions will need toThat's not the same thing as agreeing or believing the
come at a future time. We can set up a date tofeelings are justified. Accepting feelings ("I
discuss them at the end of this meeting." 3.acknowledge that you feel that way") and proceeding
Consistently ask for the employee's view throughoutwith the meeting allows you to avoid getting into a
the discussion. By asking for the employee's view, thedebate as to whether the reactions are genuine or
supervisor establishes the two-way nature of thejustified. Move on.