One of the most requested topics our human resource consulting firm is asked to speak on is performance management. I know, I know - just the thought of performance evaluations and year end reviews is enough to send otherwise normal people over the edge. The good news is help is available. Following are tips from our human resource consultants how to "ease the pain" of performance management: Communication is key! This is the one time surprises are not good. Employees deserve (and want!) to know on a regular basis how they are performing. Without proper feedback, employees cannot change what they are doing or how they are behaving. Remember: if you keep doing what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten! Consider keeping evaluations and raises separate. Depending on the organization's compensation strategy, tying the two together can … [Read more...]