What Questions Can I Use To Encourage Active Employee Participation In An Annual Performance Appraisal?

Managers sometimes forget that the annual performance review works best when it is not something that is done to employees, but done with employees as active participants. So, how can you create more active participation and involvement in the annual performance review. First, take steps to prepare the employee beforehand when you schedule the meeting. Second, during the meeting, use questions to encourage employees to "self-evaluate".

Here are a few examples:

• Overall, how do you feel your performance has been over the last review period?
• Can you identify one or two areas you feel you have excelled at, or projects you've been involved in that have been great successes?
• Are there any areas where you feel you could improve?
• What would help you improve in those areas?
• What things do you feel have gotten in the way of improving performance?

You can use questions like this independent of any rating form or other procedures you are asked to follow. Remember that these questions are valuable because they open the door to effective communication during the annual performance review and encourage employees to work with you.