The art of management: nine steps to appraisal success

The art of management nine steps to appraisal success

Ernest Richardson explores the role of the performance review, and how to maximise its effectiveness.

The appraisal: possibly one of the least-relished events of the working year. For many a manager and employee, it’s simply another hoop to jump through, another box to tick, another job to add to an already full workload.

It’s the perfect chance for self-evaluation, and to plan for the future.  

But despite this, it’s an essential part of any job. So, why not make it count?

When executed effectively, appraisals bring a host of benefits to employers and employees alike. They increase staff performance, motivation and efficiency. They identify gaps in knowledge and ways to fill them. They pinpoint potential.

That is why the appraisal should be something to embrace, rather than dread. View it as an opportunity, rather than an inconvenience, and you’ll reap the rewards.

Here are nine ways to ensure you make the most of every staff review:

1. Prepare

As with anything, preparation is the first step to a task well executed. Do some legwork in advance, and the appraisal will be a worthwhile experience for all concerned.

Review the employee’s job description and previous appraisals, and encourage them to do likewise. For you, it’s an opportunity to identify where an employee is doing well, and where improvement is required. It prepares you for issues they may raise and helps you identify training and development needs.

For your employee, it’s a reminder of the expectations of their job, and a chance to reflect on whether they’re meeting them. It’s the perfect chance for self-evaluation, and to plan for the future.

The art of management nine steps to appraisal success2. Set the right tone

The approach you take to an appraisal is a crucial part of its success. It’s important to put your employees at ease, encourage them to be honest, and make them feel comfortable with the process.

If you start the review on a positive note, this can make the difficult subjects easier to broach. Begin by drawing on the appraisee’s strong points, and congratulating them on their successes. Try to end the review positively, too – this should leave your employee feeling enthusiastic and motivated, rather than disheartened and downbeat.

3. Seek the opinions of others

Where appropriate, consider requesting the views of the appraisee’s colleagues and/or clients. This will give you a range of perspectives, and a fuller picture of their performance.

What’s more, positive feedback from third parties will make an employee feel even more valued, and give them a real confidence boost.

4. Remember that it’s a two-way process

An effective appraisal is a conversation, not a monologue. Allow the appraisee to talk freely, and be sure to take on board what they say. Ask open and probing questions, and make them pertinent. Perhaps most importantly, ask the employee for feedback, and don’t be defensive when they provide it.

Where action is required, this should emerge out of the discussion, rather than being unilaterally imposed. Avoid preconceptions, and be open to the appraisee’s ideas. That way, they’ll emerge from the process with a sense of ownership over, and responsibility for, their own development.

No employee is perfect, and honest feedback is essential to staff development.  

5. Give praise where it’s due

Make sure you recognise your employee’s achievements and successes. Even if you’ve praised them over the course of the year, do so again now. It’s a motivator like no other.

6. Be constructive

As difficult as criticism can be to give, it’s a necessary part of any appraisal. No employee is perfect, and honest feedback is essential to staff development.

The key here is to be constructive. Rather than dwelling on what’s gone wrong, focus on improvement. Help the appraisee to identify how they could approach things differently next time, and draw on their past successes where possible. Also consider setting measurable objectives, such as filling gaps in knowledge, developing skills, and offering experience in areas where it’s lacking.

7. Avoid surprises

Performance management shouldn’t be an annual event. Rather, it should be an ongoing process, involving regular dialogue with your staff and the recording of successes and problems as they occur.

The art of management nine steps to appraisal successAdopt this approach, and there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises when appraisal time comes around. Both the appraiser and appraisee should know what to expect from the performance review – making the whole process much easier to manage.

8. Avoid bias

In the role of appraiser, it’s essential to avoid favouritism and to maintain a professional distance.

Unless it has an impact on their professional behaviour or performance, you should ignore the personality of the employee you’re reviewing, Whether you’d choose them as a friend or not is irrelevant in this context. Focus simply on how they carry out their job.

9. Be sure to follow up

Once the appraisal is over, it can be tempting to put the forms in your drawer and forget about it for another year. But that defeats its purpose.  

If training is required, be sure to organise it as soon as possible. Where action needs to be taken, do so, and where concerns have been raised, act upon them. This will reassure the appraisee that you have taken their feedback on board, and that you’re committed to furthering their development.”

Whether you’re responsible for a staff of one or a team of 20, follow these tips for an appraisal that’s constructive, productive and effective. Your employees will thank you for it, and so will your clients.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like:
Is home working all it's cracked up to be?
Feeling stressed? Try this technique to help you unwind

 

Published: 24 October 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

Bench Joiner
Sector: Property and Construction
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913700
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a Bench Joiner to join their highly skilled and established team.

You will be working on a variety of bespoke projects — the key purpose of this role is to manage your day-to-day duties, including carpentry using hand and power tools, framing and finish carpentry. This is a team role, working collaboratively across the wider business, to create exceptional joinery pieces.

Key requirements for this role:

  • Own set of tools is a must!
  • Experience in a similar role
  • 3D/2D design experience
  • Joinery background
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Effective analytical skills
  • Systematic approach to tasks

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday. 07.30 to 16.30.

Over time is available.

Free on-site parking is available, along with a great working environment, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to work with new, automated processes and equipment — full training provided.

This role offers a really competitive package.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
CAD Designer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913701
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a successful and growing company based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a CAD Designer to join their experienced and talented team.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of the design process – creating detailed technical drawings for bespoke joinery projects, including cabinetry, furniture, and architectural woodwork. You'll work closely with the internal team to bring custom designs to life, ensuring every piece meets exact client specifications and supports seamless manufacturing.

Key duties include:

  • Technical drawing and design:
  • Create detailed 2D CAD drawings for custom joinery projects using AutoCAD.
  • Develop accurate and detailed technical drawings for manufacturing, including plans, elevations, sections, and detailed joinery components.
  • Interpret and translate client briefs, architectural drawings, and design concepts into technical drawings.
  • Ensure all drawings comply with industry standards, company specifications, and project requirements.

Collaboration and communication:

  • Work closely with the design team to understand project requirements and offer design input.
  • Collaborate with the production team to ensure drawings are feasible and align with manufacturing capabilities.
  • Liaise with Project Managers, Architects, and clients to resolve any design or technical issues.

Quality control:

  • Review and revise drawings based on feedback and ensure the accuracy of all final deliverables.
  • Maintain up-to-date project documentation and version control of drawings.
  • Conduct regular checks to ensure drawings meet company standards and regulatory requirements.

Role requirements include:

  • A degree or diploma in CAD, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
  • Proven experience (3+ years) as a CAD Technician, ideally within the joinery or woodworking industry.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential.
  • Experience with other CAD and 3D modelling software, such as SolidWorks, preferred but not essential.
  • Strong understanding of joinery techniques, materials, and construction methods.
  • Excellent attention to detail and a keen eye for design.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Professional, reliable and willing to learn.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a great team, offering a very competitive package and further development.

Working hours are Monday to Friday. 07.30 to 16.30.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Cleaner (part-time)
Sector: Customer Services
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Ipswich
Role: Part Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-IPS-C-0725
About the role

Just Temps is supporting a company in Ipswich, seeking an experienced Cleaner to join their team on a temporary basis. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for short-term evening work.

Hours: 5.00pm to 9.00pm (Monday to Friday)

Role responsibilities include:

  • General office cleaning across multiple floors
  • Cleaning of toilets, canteen areas, and communal spaces
  • Lifting and transporting heavy cleaning equipment up and down stairs
  • Ensuring high standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the building

Requirements:

  • Previous cleaning experience is essential
  • Capable of handling heavy equipment
  • Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic
  • Comfortable working independently across various areas of the building

Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Evening hours – ideal for fitting around other commitments
  • Supportive team environment

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Technical Support Supervisor
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913720
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation based in Sudbury to recruit a Technical Support Supervisor to join their long-standing team.

Due to business growth, this newly created position is responsible for supporting technical operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the technical systems, processes and projects under the guidance of the division's business leader.

The role is crucial in aligning the company’s technical capabilities with business goals, ensuring that the products are designed and manufactured/assembled to operate effectively and securely.

You will need to demonstrate experience in project management and implementation, technical experience and industry best practices. You will also need to show knowledge of compliance with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards.

Key requirements include:

  • Troubleshooting skills, to investigate and resolve technical issues relating to products
  • Provide technical support and training to other team members, including sales
  • Support the development and implementation of new products
  • Ability to produce accurate bills of materials (BOMS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Experience in computer-aided design (CAD) and the ability to produce product drawings
  • Basic software programming skills would be an advantage
  • Sound understanding of electronics

This is a site-based role.

This role offers a very competitive package and a great working environment.


Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Product Sales Executive
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business based in Sudbury, looking to add a Product Sales Executive to its long-established team.

Due to continued business growth, this newly created role will be responsible for building and managing relationships with both direct customers and distributors to drive revenue. The position forms part of the sales and marketing team.

Key duties include:

  • Qualifying and identifying customer needs, presenting product features and benefits, negotiating sales terms and ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Selling to existing and new customers, building and maintaining client relationships, meeting sales targets, and developing your industry knowledge.
  • Identifying, qualifying, onboarding, and managing key partners to ensure they are motivated and aligned with business goals.
  • Demonstrate monitoring and reporting capability.

Key requirements include:

  • Proven experience in product sales.
  • Experience in qualifying and prospecting for new clients.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, relationship-building and written skills with the ability to build rapport with customers, listen to their needs and effectively communicate product information.
  • Nurture relationships with existing customers to ensure satisfaction and identify repeat business opportunities.
  • Ability to demonstrate product features and explain benefits.
  • A solid understanding of the sales cycle and sales techniques is critical. Ability to close deals, negotiate and handle objections.
  • Effective time management — to be able to prioritise tasks, manage sales activities and meet deadlines.

This is a site-based role, but there is an expectation that you will spend a significant portion of the role outside the office with clients, prospects, and business partners.

This role offers a very competitive salary and package.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Industrial Sales Manager
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913719
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based in Sudbury, looking to add an Industrial Sales Manager to their team.

Due to continued business growth, this is a newly created role for a high-performing Sales Manager with a background in engineering sales.

The key purpose of this role is to build and manage relationships with industrial users of their systems and channel partners across numerous sectors.

You will be experienced in developing and executing sales strategies to expand market reach and deliver growth in sales.

Specifically, you will have a track record of identifying, qualifying, onboarding and managing key customers, specifiers and partners, ensuring they are motivated and aligned with all industrial products and company goals.

Key requirements include:

  • Proven experience in engineering/industrial sales.
  • Experience in qualifying and prospecting for new clients.
  • Possess excellent communication, interpersonal, relationship-building, and written skills, with the ability to build rapport with customers, listen to their needs, and effectively communicate product information.
  • A solid understanding of the sales cycle, purchasing process and sales techniques in industrial sales is critical.
  • Ability to develop and execute direct sales and channel strategies, aligned with the company’s goals.
  • Ability to demonstrate effective time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage sales activities, and meet deadlines.

This role offers an incredibly competitive package including company benefits and incentives.

The role is primarily office-based, with regular travel required to visit clients, prospects, and partners.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Production Planning Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913718
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting a Production Planning Engineer for a manufacturer based in Tiverton, Devon.

The role will involve:

  • Planning the scheduling of systems and products onto machine centres for production.
  • Creating engineering drawings to support the manufacturing process when required.
  • Identifying tooling requirements for purchase to aid production.
  • Liaising with the Sales Team and other internal departments to progress jobs, resolve queries, and provide updates on lead times.
  • A strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings is essential.

Key skills required:

  • Experience in the use of AutoCAD/DraftSight/SolidWorks to design or annotate drawings.
  • Microsoft Office, Outlook, Syspro/ERP systems.
  • Good attention to detail.
  • Ability to understand Engineering drawings and processes.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Good time management skills.

Knowledge/background required:

  • Previous experience working in a planning office would be beneficial, although full training would be given.
  • The ability to read, understand and interpret engineering drawings is a must.
  • Could suit an apprentice or ‘hands-on’ engineer who understands methods of Manufacture and CAD.

Hours of work:

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (35 hours per week).
Hybrid working — supported post-training / probationary.

Benefits include:
In addition to a competitive salary, this role offers an attractive benefits package, including:

  • 25 days' holiday per annum, plus bank holidays.
  • Company contribution to pension.
  • Healthcare cashback scheme.
  • Discounts with local shops and services.
  • Discounts at many major retailers, including Argos, Curry’s, Halfords, Tesco, Sainsburys and Morrisons, to name but a few.
  • Free on-site parking.
  • Career progression opportunities.
  • Continued professional learning and development.
  • Preference will be given to applications with business-to-business direct sales experience in the electrical / tools / PPE sector.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more