writing reviews -- suggestions

i absolutely ABHOR writing these things!

does anyone have any programs that they can suggest to use to make this a quicker process?

i have an entire company that i have to write these blasted things for!

does your organization use a different technique or method?

OH, and does anyone have any terms to write about an employee that micro manages to a fault.

Re: writing reviews -- suggestions

I LOATHED them every single year, and I only had to do them for myself.

Anyway, this may be helpful: http://www.jerm.com/2008/03/annual-performance-reviews-sample-comments-phrases-for-how-to-say-it/

Generally, I saved all of my reviews and just repeated things over and over again with whatever adjustments were necessary... Why bother with BS ever year if you can do it once and just copy and paste!

Here is one specific to retail industry, just in case:
http://www.jerm.com/2010/01/employee-reviewappraisal-sample-phrases-for-retail-stores/

Message edited 11/23/2010 7:49:11 PM.

Re: writing reviews -- suggestions

I bought a reference book from Amazon called "Effective Phrases for Performance Appraisals" by James Neal many years ago and it helped me many times. It basically is organized by area and offers you different phrases to apply to a review. It's spiral bound and really a fabulous quick reference.

That said, I've done many of these over my career and I learned that most people hope to hear positive things during their review so I make sure there are no surprises. I really take the term "Performance Management" literally -- I don't look at this as a review of the areas that need improvement AND if I never spoke to them about a concern it does not get documented in the performance report.

Instead I use this process to document their accomplishments and identify goals to help them grow. So for example, if I have someone on my team with poor interpersonal skills and I've spoken to them already I may something like "Trish is aware of the importance of developing strong relationships across the organization and will be building a plan to strengthen this skill by XX date." Or I may say something like "I really appreciate Trish's passion for detail and her ability to meet deadlines - in fact, I count on it. In order for Trish to further develop as a strong contributor to the team we have discussed some online training programs and an AMA course that she would find valuable in helping her build better relationships with peers and management. Specifically, Trish needs to spend the next 6 months attending the recommended training programs and applying her learning. Together we'll work to help her grow professionally. I'm confident this can be achieved."


That said, if I have a poor performer who I tried working with already I'd be more direct and specific and I would leverage HR to ensure my review is clear and professional based on my intent.

I hope this helps. If I can help don't hesitate to send me an FM.

Re: writing reviews -- suggestions

wow it is so nice to see how much you care about writing reviews (i'm serious, not sarcastic.) I just had my first review in 2.5 years with our ceo and he didn't even read what i wrote in the form i was given to complete ahead of time. He even asked who my manager is??!!!!

Re: writing reviews -- suggestions

Oh thank you! I think we should just treat people the way we want to be treated. At the end of the day, it's a job... we all need to work... we might as well try to enjoy it and eachother

I am sorry about your experience but cup half full... we know you'll never treat anyone like that! LOL! Some people amaze me!