Performance evaluation includes measuring effectiveness in meeting expectations for achieving results as well as how those results are achieved (i.e., behaviors).

Effective performance evaluation does not happen only at the end of a year but through ongoing check-ins throughout the year. 

Formal evaluation is the final step in the performance management process and includes writing and delivering a performance evaluation. 

 

Review Quick Guide

The Quick Guide to Performance Evaluations outlines the best practices that are proven to make the evaluation more effective:

  1. Make sure you know your department, college or unit local processes and guidelines.
  2. Get employee input on their results and impact.
  3. Get input from others (peers, key partners).
  4. Evaluate the results the employee achieved (Consider context, accomplishment and impact).
  5. Evaluate HOW* they achieved results.
  6. Write the performance review (rating and narrative).
  7. Discuss the review with the employee.

 

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*HOW results are achieved is often described by how well the person works with others; that's when the behavioral competencies come into play.

Don't have a behavioral competency model? 

Go to z.umn.edu/competencies to learn more about the competency model developed at the University of Minnesota to support talent development discussions.

View the printable guide below for more details on each step.

View Quick Guide

 

Apply: Practice Scenario

Need to practice? Work through the scenario below to see how you might go about evaluating Jonah's performance.

Evaluating Jonah's Performance