Appraisal skills – Time to make a difference
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great” – Mark Twain

Overview
To identify the benefits of the appraisal process. The key skills required preparing, conducting and evaluating an effective appraisal. Role-play will be a feature of the course to reinforce skills when delivering and receiving feedback during the appraisal meeting.

Objectives
• Understand the purpose of the appraisal process and your role and responsibilities as the appraiser.
• Understand how appraisals can maintain and develop performance from your team.
• Achieve honest and open communication.
• Learn how to listen and give clear and specific feedback.
• Understand the need for clear, realistic objectives, and how to set them.
• Tackle performance and sensitive issues effectively.
• Conduct appraisals in a confident and professional manner.

Content
The importance an appraisal
The purpose of reviewing performance regularly.
Give and receive balanced, honest and open feedback on performance.

Planning for the appraisal
The importance of fairness and equality.
Becoming familiar with the company’s format for appraisals.
Review coaching and training that may be available and relevant.
Preparing examples and necessary back up for specific performance/ behaviour to be reviewed.
Set up an appraisal meeting.

Conducting the appraisal meeting
Establish the purpose of the meeting and the appraisal process.
Use questioning and listening skills to invite self-appraisal, open and honest communication.
Review performance.
Use positive verbal and non-verbal communication.

Managing the meeting
Identify areas of concern.
Address poor performance whilst maintaining commitment to improvement.
Set SMART objectives together.

Remaining assertive and confident 
Interpersonal skills within the appraisal meeting.
Inspire confidence and positivity in the appraisee.
Overcome resistance and handle negative behaviour.

The follow-up process
Gain commitment to any training required and personal development plans.
Set future dates linked to short, medium and long-term objectives.

Duration:  2 day  (2 days do not have to be taken consecutively)
Suggested maximum number of participants: 10

Who should attend?
Anyone responsible for conducting an appraisal with another member of staff. The course is focused on the manager as the appraiser however can be adapted as required.