Performance management
Performance management is a procedure where the direct
and efficient management of individuals and teams help to attain increased
levels of the company’s performance. Cardy
(2011) points out that performance management is far more than reporting on
performance, they should also provide feedback. Cardy defines it as functioning
with a team or employees to enhance future performances.
Performance management is important in an organisation,
that is why we measure it, to check on employees commitment and motivation as
this is like to increase the activity of employees. There are many benefits of
measuring performance of employees. One of the benefits is that the goal will
be clear-cut and the togetherness of the company may be better. This is because
an individuals goal will be similar the an organisations and therefore, most
employees can work together. This in turn can lead to increased communication
skills. There are many ways to measure performance such as number of products
made or number of complaints dealt with.
My
appraisal
Performance appraisals frequently record an
assessment of an individuals performance and growth that individuals may need.
An appraisal is a chance to see how employees are getting on and to see what
they have accomplished. Randhawa (2007) claims
that an performance appraisal is evaluation of an employees performance in
order to make future decisions on them. The reasons for appraisals are that it
can enhance current performance which can increase motivation. It also makes
clear what is expected from the aim of the job and if employees need training
or if they have the potential for promotion.
There can be many problems with appraisals.
If criticism is taken the one way or it is not constructive, it will not be an
effective appraisal and the motivation of the employee may deteriorate. Work
productivity might be less. There can also be many other problems such as
reward, reward may not be as hoped and so the employee again may lose
motivation to work. The manager may also lack interest in appraisal and may not
be prepared, in turn, infrequent feedback will be provided. Hegar (2008) also mentions some
problems such the problems of being bias.
An appraisal I have had a work is when I had
work experience at John Lewis. They called me in with the manager of the
section I was working at, and my employer. It was a one to one basis, they gave
me feedback and discussed how I was doing, my performance and if I had any
issues with the job. They went through a performance record and told me what
the colleagues thought of me.
In my opinion, the appraisal was effective.
This is because I felt that I had done my job well and I got recognised for it.
They also asked if I wanted a job at John Lewis, these factors motivated me to
work hard as I felt was wanted in the company. They gave me positive feedback
and listened to whatever I had to say. I also think it was effective because
they shared every ones views that I was working with on me. So there was
nothing hidden, even if I had criticism, it would be constructive criticism.
They did not set me any goals since I was
only on working experience, however, the little jobs I had, they thought I don
ea good job. They would make sure I know which driven me to work harder.
Overall, I thought it was an effective appraisal.
Skills
to be a mentor
A mentor is an individual who helps advise and supports
other employees. A mentor usually has a lot of experience in which they use to
help the employee develop. They will encourage an employee to work hard and
achieve its maximum potential so that their performance will improve. Avis (2010) depicts mentoring as a long
term learning curve which is used to support individuals who have not reached
their maximum potential yet.
Reading an article from the Times, I believe there are
many skills and abilities required to be a mentor. The skills are not as
difficult as one may think. These are skills are skills just as listening. In
order to be a good mentor, they must listen to the individual, main eye contact
with them so the individual feels they can go to someone for advice. Mentors
must be supportive, so they can help an employee grow and develop. One of the
most vital factors in my opinion of a mentor is being a good communicator and
having some experience. This is because they can share the knowledge they have
with the employee, so the employee knows what they have to go through in order
to improve their performance and grow. Relationship is also an important
factor. This is because having a good relationship with your employee develops
the element of trust.
My
mentor
At A levels, each student was given a mentor. I was very
pleased with the teacher I got, this is because not jut through A levels, but
also through school, the teacher guided me and encouraged me to work hard. At A
level we would have a meeting every week to discuss how Ii am getting on. We
would also discuss results and coursework due in, as well as personal life if
needed. I would be explained what I should do in order to try to succeed, not
just academically, bit also through sport. Discussing how I can improve in
areas and encouraging me to be motivated as it gave me a sense of belief that I
could do well and therefore, it motivated me to work hard.
However, my parents have been the biggest mentor in my
life. This is because they support me whatever I choose to do and always try to
push me the best I can be without putting too much pressure on me. This cold be
in hobbies such as golf or piano or academically in school. They have guided me
through my life, even when I have hard decisions to make. They would help
advise me and are my biggest inspirations.
This blog has been comforting; this is because I got to
look back at my school times. I believe performance appraisal is important in a
working environment; recognition is needed in my opinion for good work in order
to keep motivation high. I have learnt a lot from this topic, how appraisals
can be effective and problems that can arise with appraisals. Overall, I have
thoroughly enjoyed this topic.
Bibliography
Hegar, K.W. (2008) Modern Human Relations at Work.
Mason, OH: South-western Cengage Learning.
Avis J, Fisher, R.
and Thompson, R. (2010) Teaching in Lifelong Learning. Berkshire :
Open university press.
Randhawa, G. (2007) Human
Resource Management. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers and Distributors Ltd.
Cardy, R.L and
Leonard, B. (2011) Performance Management: Concepts, Skills, and Exercises.
2nd ed. New York: M.E sharpe Inc.