Performance: Managing for Success

In today’s workplace, success isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about growing people, aligning goals, and sustaining momentum. That’s where performance management comes in. Whether you're leading a team or contributing to one, understanding the principles behind performance management can elevate not only individual careers but the business as a whole.

What is Performance Management?

Performance management is more than a yearly evaluation; it's a continuous process that helps employees achieve their goals and stay aligned with company and personal objectives. It creates clarity, boosts morale, and drives accountability and ownership on the team member.

Having a strong performance management system helps to: clarify roles and expectations, provide regular, constructive feedback, support employee development, recognise success, and address challenges early.

However, for small business, you can adapt your own practices and conduct effective performance management without the need for (often) expensive systems.

Appropriate Steps in Effective Performance Management

Setting Clear Goals: SMART goals keep everyone focused and accountable.

Ongoing Feedback: Real-time communication builds trust and accelerates growth.

Growth & Development: Training, mentoring, and stretch objectives fuel progress.

Performance Review: Structured conversations to reflect completely and plan forward.

Recognition: Celebrating wins, big or small, keeps motivation high.

Accountability: Timely interventions prevent issues from escalating.

WWLD?

Here are some practical actions you can take right now:

Regular check-ins

This can be and make sure they’re in the calendar. To ensure these meetings are productive, add structure by creating a recurring agenda. For example, based on a 30 minute catch up, your time might be used as follows:

10 mins - Goal tracking and task updates

5-10 mins - Feedback (both given and received)

5-10 mins - Recognition, motivation and forward planning