Staff Appraisal
Workshop or Workplace Exercise

Step1

As preparation, write down information relating to the following

• A very important activity, priority or key area of your job
• A less frequent activity (not necessarily important) which occupies a good deal of time.
• An important activity unlikely to appear in your diary. You know it is important although others (including the boss) may be unclear of this.
• The most important activity not so far listed

Step 2

Now work with a colleague - a friendly critic with whom you have a good working relationship and who knows your job (and you, theirs). Engage in a job review conversation.

Each person should lead an appraisal meeting. Through questions, discussion and summary assist the other in reviewing their performance (efforts, achievements, problems). Aim to clearly define actual performance - successes and gaps. Pin down

• what must be done to maintain or improve performance
• identify where you need to develop - learn more and apply more skill
• Identify contradictions and points of tension - discuss how to tackle these.
• What steps are needed internal to the job and external (outside work).

Focus on information gathering, developing understanding and giving feedback to each other. Be supportive and give positive reinforcement - but be probing - avoid being bland and hunky-dory. Evaluate the usefulness of discussing your work with someone who was well informed, but not your "boss".

© Created by Chris Jarvis for the BOLA Project.