Steps to evaluate your staff

One of your most important tasks as a manager is to create a clear, motivating process for evaluating team members. Appraisals shouldn’t feel like a box-ticking exercise. Done right, they inspire better performance, not just measure it.

⚠️ What's Wrong With Typical Appraisals?

Too often, appraisals are rushed, vague, or overly focused on recent events. They either feel overly critical or too sugarcoated. The result? Employees leave the meeting disengaged—or confused.

✅ A Practical 6-Step Evaluation Process

1. Set Mutually Agreed Goals

Start by defining clear, specific, and achievable goals. Involve the employee in setting them—it increases ownership and buy-in. Goals should reflect both individual contributions and team priorities.

2. Give Ongoing, Balanced Feedback

Don’t wait for the annual review. Praise good work immediately. And when things go off-track, offer constructive, behavior-focused feedback on the spot. The sooner, the better.

3. Prepare a Written Appraisal

Use a format that aligns with the agreed goals. Keep it practical and focused. Avoid generic language. Base your review on the full 12 months, not just recent memory.

4. Hold a Personal Review Meeting

Always meet in person. Book a quiet space with no distractions. Stay positive. When discussing challenges, shift toward solutions. Make it a two-way conversation, not a lecture.

5. Set Fresh Goals and Expectations

Use the review meeting to discuss what’s next. Identify where goals need adjusting and set new standards that reflect both individual growth and business needs.

6. Link Evaluation to Career Development

Frame performance within a larger context—how can the employee grow within the organization? Suggest specific development paths, training, or mentoring opportunities that fit their strengths and goals.

🧠 Evaluate With the Bigger Picture in Mind

Good appraisals are more than performance checklists. They build stronger teams, clarify direction, and connect work to purpose. A manager who evaluates well builds trust, credibility, and momentum.

📚 Related Training Packages

• 📘 Lead, Motivate & Inspire – Leadership Skills Training Package
• 📘 Managing People – Management Skills Training Package

🧪 Want to Understand Your Leadership Style?

Take the Leadership Style Self-Assessment – It can help you reflect on how your personal style influences your feedback and appraisal conversations.

🔥 How Well Do You Cope With Pressure?

Take the Pressure Management Self-Assessment – Discover how your stress levels might affect your ability to lead review meetings calmly and constructively.