Performance Appraisal Preparation Checklist

INSTRUCTIONS

Complete this checklist to make sure you are properly prepared for a performance appraisal meeting.

HAVE YOU... YES NO

1. Scheduled the meeting well in advance and in a neutral location?

2. Given the employee notice and a copy of the self-appraisal form to fill out?

3. Reviewed notes you've taken about the employee throughout the year?

4. Reviewed the employee’s job description?

5. Reviewed the employee’s performance goals?

6. Reviewed the criteria for successful performance?

7. Reviewed the employee’s job history, including relevant skills and training?

8. Reviewed the employee’s self-appraisal?

9. Reviewed any 360-degree feedback or feedback from others who work with the employee?

10. Carefully looked for “gaps” between stated goals and actual performance?

11. Focused on the employee’s behavior (not the person) and linked behavior to performance?

12. Noted specific strengths and accomplishments to reinforce positive behavior?

13. Noted problems that need to be discussed, and made a list of specific examples?

14. Completed your organization’s performance appraisal form?

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© 2014 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business School Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.
If you have answered “No” to any of the above questions, you might consider delaying the meeting until you can answer
“Yes” to every question.

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© 2014 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business School Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.