Human Resources/Payroll

Confirming Performance Expectations

When the supervisor and employee review the expected performance, there should be a detailed discussion about the performance expectations.  These standards should fully describe satisfactory performance, be observable, measurable and specific, be meaningful and realistic, and be consistent.  When discussing these standards, keep in mind that good performance typically involves more than technical expertise, e.g. friendliness, helpfulness, courteousness, punctuality, etc.  These behaviors often help to determine whether performance exceeds expectations.  Things to consider when discussing performance expectations include:

• What does good performance look like?
• What is the difference between good and poor performance?
• What conditions exist when a duty is well performed?
• Are there specific criteria that specify good performance, e.g, quantity, quality, timeliness, deadlines, safety?
• Are the performance expectations meaningful and realistic?
• What interpersonal and customer service behaviors are important in this job??
• Are these behaviors expected in your department to promote teamwork, etc.?