Fuller Communications between Employees and Supervisors Stressed

The memo said that the key to improved performance evaluations is for supervisors to engage employees “all stages and aspects” of the process. “We know from countless studies and case histories that employees feel most empowered and enabled to succeed and grow when supervisors involve them in continuous dialogue on:  position expectations; alignment of position responsibilities and agency mission; progress toward achieving expectations; and areas of strength or needs for improvement,” OPM said. “During the appraisal period, engage with employees to provide updates on work the employee is doing, why it is important, and how it impacts the organization’s goals and objectives. Periodically review the standards and measures that will be used to assess performance, discuss updates on problems that need to be addressed and resources that are needed,” the memo says. There also should be brief but regular and meaningful communications to discuss priorities and needs; regular and timely feedback on progress, including the input of others; and coaching and development of employees, it said. If that is done, it said, the final rating should “never come as a surprise to an employee.”