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Appraisal training

Effective appraisal systems need skilled appraisers

Tailored appraisal training for appraisers new to running appraisals or appraisers using a new appraisal system - A great way of making sure your appraisal process is successful and that performance management is carried out professionally by appraisers. This is a comprehensive one day appraisal course designed to provide appraisers with the core appraisal skills; preparing for, conducting and following up the appraisal meeting and ensuring that performance management is a continuous process throughout the year.

Sample course outline
Training for appraisees
Appraisal E-Learning
Keys to successful appraisals
Our appraisal training courses in a nutshell
Appraisers will learn to prepare for and structure the appraisal meeting
Appraisers will be able to discuss and agree clear and meaningful SMART objectives with appraisees
Appraisers will learn how to balance developmental feedback with positive feedback
Appraisers will understand that the appraisal meeting is just one part of the performance management process
Appraisers will have the ability to deal with conflict should it arise
Appraisers will understand how to act assertively, confidently and positively during the appraisal process
Some objectives covered on our appraisal courses
We tailor our appraisal training courses to match the skill level and experience of your appraisers. We can also incorporate training on your appraisal process and system if required. We can include all of the following core appraisal skills or focus on those of your choice;
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses as a performance manager
Preparing for and structuring the appraisal meeting
Understanding your organisation's appraisal process and system
Ensuring the appraisal is a two way discussion
Agreeing clear, realistic and measurable SMART objectives with appraisees
Dealing with disagreements or conflict diplomatically and confidently
Balancing developmental (negative) with positive feedback
Demonstrating professionalism and being assertive when necessary
Criticising constructively and dealing with issues of poor performance professionally
Ensuring performance management is a continuous process throughout the year
Using positive verbal and non-verbal behaviour
Demonstrating effective listening and questioning skills
Ensuring consistency, fairness and objectivety throughout the appraisal process
Creating the link between the appraisal and improved appraisee performance

Would you like to know more about our appraisal courses?

Do you provide E-Learning appraisal courses?
Yes - we provide generic E-Learning appraisal courses and also bespoke E-Learning appraisal courses for clients wishing to incorporate their specific appraisal system into the E-Learning module.

We use a paper-based appraisal system at the moment - can you help us to make it electronic?

Yes - some of our clients ask us to create a mirror image of the process they are using so that it's electronic and can be completed and administered online. We also introduce completely new online appraisal systems for clients looking to start afresh. The appraisal training we run would also incorporate training in the use of the new online system, both for appraisers and appraisees.

Do you use Role Play during your Appraisal Training Courses?
If time permits, we believe that role play is a very effective element of the learning process. So we can develop tailored role plays and incorporate them within the framework of our Appraisal Courses. We can develop realistic scenarios where delegates are able to practise using your organisation's own Appraisal System and template Appraisal Forms.

Do you develop new Appraisal Systems as well as run Appraisal Training Courses?
Yes. We develop new Appraisal Systems and also give advice on changes that may enhance your existing Appraisal System (if you have one). We'll need to talk to you to discuss your requirements. If you would like us to assist with the development of a new Appraisal System, we'll be able to tailor the training to tie in with it.
 

Do you develop and train people on 360 Degree Appraisal Systems?

Yes. We have experts who focus on 360 Degree Appraisal Systems. We also develop and run Appraisal Training Courses on 360 Degree Appraisal Systems. We offer a free, no obligation meeting to discuss your Appraisal and Performance Management needs.
 

Do you run Appraisal Training Courses for Appraisees?

Yes. We do run Appraisal Courses for appraisees. We find that briefing appraisees as well as running Appraisal Courses for appraisers is very beneficial. This ensures that every employee within your organisation embraces the new Appraisal Process and commits to it fully.

What makes an effective appraisal?

An effective appraisal is one that ends positively, regardless of the content. Both appraiser and appraisee will have had an open and constructive discussion; the appraisee is aware of what he/she has done well during the year and also what needs to be improved on for next year. An open and honest review of performance together with the setting of SMART objectives for the coming year will enable this to happen.

Why do some appraisals go badly?
There are many reasons for this. Attending our Appraisal Course will make sure it doesn’t happen to you. We find that most failures occur because the appraiser doesn’t prepare properly. This then leads to conflict because the appraiser cannot back up his/her point of view with confidence. The appraisee then leaves unhappy with a lack of respect for the appraiser.

What do you do if the appraisee argues and doesn’t agree with your point of view?
Remember at all times during the process …. You are in charge, you are the appraiser. Some appraisers find that it sometimes seems to be the other way round. Don’t let this happen. You’ll need to be assertive on occasions. This doesn’t mean shouting, it means professionally and calmly taking control. We cover assertiveness on our Appraisal Training Courses. You’ll find out how to adapt your behaviour to help you to keep control. If the appraisal starts to turn into an argument, you might have to suggest that you move on from this point and come back to it at the end.

How can I make sure the appraisee accepts my point of view when I’m talking about poor performance?
The appraisee is unlikely to understand and accept your point relating to poor performance if you can’t back it up with fact. This is the key; make sure you can relate to a real event to reinforce your message. The appraisee can’t argue with fact. You’ll need to prepare well for this because there could be a number of issues you want to mention. Each of these issues requires factual back up. If you do this, you won’t be falling back on subjective judgement; this is often the cause of conflict during the appraisal process.

How do I set effective objectives for appraisees?
Effective objective setting is the key to success at the appraisal. Setting personal objectives ensures that the appraisee has a focus and a challenge for the year to come. We cover this in detail on our Appraisal Courses. You’ll even get a chance to practise this for real. Using the SMART criteria is essential during the objective setting process – we’ll cover this too.

Some of my appraisees don’t seem to be committed to the appraisal process …. How do I convert them?

You’re not alone! Not everyone believes in appraisals. We find that this is usually because they don’t understand the real benefits that can be gained. By the end of our Appraisal Course, you’ll clearly understand all the benefits that can be gained, both for the appraisee, the appraiser and your organisation. We’ll make sure that if one of your appraisees appears cynical or negative about the appraisal process, you’ll be able to share with the person all the true benefits that can be gained if they treat it more positively.

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