Performance Management
Managing employee performance for success where goals are created, competencies are incorporated and constructive feedback is provided for continuous improvement.
Level 1 Demonstrates introductory understanding, directing people to the appropriate source for further information.
BEHAVIORS
- Identifies key performance indicators (KPI’s).
- Describes the official process for performance improvement in the company.
- Assists managers in performance management and reporting activities (e.g., collects data, organizes training).
- Guides employees as to where to find the appropriate forms for performance management.
QUESTIONS
- Tell us about the last time you developed your own learning and development plan.
Probing Questions
* What did you base the plan on?
* What gaps did you identify?
* How did you go about selecting specific learning initiatives?
* Did you manage to carry out the activities?
* What was the result?
- Describe a time when a manager requested your assistance in setting an employee's performance plan.
Probing Questions
* What advice did you give him/her?
* Upon what did you base this advice?
* What interactions with the manager did you have in this case?
* How did you determine if the advice was followed?
* What was the impact on the employee's performance?
Level 2 Applies the competency in common situations that present limited difficulties, working with a moderate level of guidance.
BEHAVIORS
- Monitors performance management activities within set timelines.
- Explains the performance improvement process to management and staff.
- Identifies the tools needed to support the rollout of performance management initiatives.
QUESTIONS
- Discuss a time when you were tasked with reviewing the organization’s employee performance data.
Probing Questions
* What action did you take to identify the pertinent data?
* How did you go about gathering the data?
* What analysis activities did you perform?
* What did your analysis show?
* How did you present your results to management?
- Tell us about a situation where you were asked to present the organization's performance management process to an individual or small group.
Probing Questions
* How you create or adapt your presentation materials?
* What areas of performance management did you focus on?
* What did you do to put the material in front of your audience?
* How was your presentation received by the individual or group?
* What did you do to assess the uptake of the information you presented?
Level 3 Applies the competency in the full range of typical situations, requiring guidance in only the most complex or new situations.
BEHAVIORS
- Facilitates the implementation of performance measuring processes and procedures.
- Advises management on how to define specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely performance goals.
- Guides managers on how to identify performance gaps (i.e. gaps between desired and actual performance), suggesting realistic and effective interventions.
- Manages disputes related to performance appraisals.
QUESTIONS
- Describe a time when you built the measurements and goals for your own staff members' performance management.
Probing Questions
* What research did you do to prepare for building these goals and measurements?
* What did you use as the key elements of the performance goals?
* How did you ensure that the goals appropriately reflected the organization's business objectives?
* What key performance indicators did you select as measurements for successful performance by your staff members?
* Did what you developed provide you with the appropriate information to manage performance in your group?
- Tell us about a situation where a manager or management team requested your assistance in implementing performance management activities in their area.
Probing Questions
* What were the circumstances surrounding this situation?
* What implementation goals and success criteria did you identify?
* What assistance did you actually give them?
* How did you deal with any reluctance from the supervisors or staff?
* Was the implementation a success?
Level 4 Applies the competency in new or complex situations and advises others.
BEHAVIORS
- Develops key outcomes and performance measures that align with overall business objectives.
- Explains how the performance management process supports achieving the goals of the organization.
- Recommends appropriate performance management measures (coaching, counseling, etc.) to line managers/team leaders.
- Promotes best practices in the performance appraisal and performance management process.
QUESTIONS
- Tell us about a situation where you needed to identify the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) necessary in the organization to achieve performance levels and business outcomes
Probing Questions
* What background information did you gather before proceeding with this task?
* How did you go about the alignment of specific KSA's to business activities?
* What consultation/validation did you include as part of the exercise?
* How did you gain support for the research and analysis activities from different stakeholders?
* What did the final product look like and how did you "sell" it to management?
- Discuss a situation where you acted as a coach for a manager who was dealing with a particularly difficult performance management case.
Probing Questions
* What made this a difficult case?
* What did you do to investigate the background of the situation?
* What coaching techniques or processes did you employ?
* How did your coaching change the interactions between the manager and employee?
* What did you do to measure the success of your intervention?
Level 5 Develops new approaches and methods in the area. Is recognized as an expert within the organization.
BEHAVIORS
- Discusses the need for prioritization of performance management initiatives from an organizational standpoint.
- Evaluates current performance management measures against corporate objectives, making recommendations based on identified gaps.
- Oversees performance management initiatives across the organization.
QUESTIONS
- Tell us about an assignment where you were asked to review the organization's performance management system and recommend modifications.
Probing Questions
* What was the underlying purpose of the review?
* What did you do to prepare for the review?
* What steps did you follow in conducting the review?
* What were your findings or recommendations?
* How did you proceed to get approval for implementation?
- Talk about a time where you developed or led a team that developed key performance indicators that related to the organization's specific business objectives.
Probing Questions
* What research activity did you undertake to identify potential key performance indicators?
* What consultation did you or your team do?
* What analysis was done and how was it completed?
* What performance indicator measurement gaps did you/the team identify?
* Were the recommendations accepted by senior management?