When it comes to writing performance reviews, you’re probably not threatening to knock the Fifty Shades books off the best-sellers lists.  More likely, you’re not even thinking about how you’re writing—you’re pecking out a few sentences and hoping the spell checker doesn’t get too angry.  But it’s important to approach the performance document with that “how” in mind.  A performance document should be thorough and provide specific, descriptive feedback.  Remember, this writing is intended to help the employee with performance feedback, and it will become part of the employee’s permanent record.  The written document will also help guide you through the in-person performance review.

Fortunately, the YES! Your Human Resources Solution team is here with some simple tips to spice up your performance reviews and make them more effective.  For starters, let these action-oriented verbs, adjectives, and phrases jump-start your writing.

 Now that you’ve created a detailed and functional performance appraisal document, let’s apply it to the in-person review.

For those of you who aren’t gifted orators, fear not—you’ve created a thorough performance document that will help guide you!  But first, let’s set the environment for a successful discussion.  At the start of the performance review, let your words and pace set the tone for an open, unrushed discussion—and let the employee know this is a discussion, to encourage a give-and-take.  That can help take the edge off for anxious employees, and can encourage honest feedback.  Now back to that performance document.  Methodically go through the document, verbally expanding on important points or examples.  To foster that give-and-take, it may help to ask the employee’s opinion here and there.  This can also help you gauge the employee’s understanding of the review, which can help you improve your communication skills for the future.  Be sure to end the performance review with a positive statement, whether it relates to a job well done or to a year to focus on improvement.  Also include a thank you for the employee’s time and feedback; their responses help shape your management skills!

So you see, with a little time, effort, and some helpful tips from the YES! team, even spell-check junkies can start their appraisal documents on the road to greatness.  And great review documents form the foundation for smoother, more effective in-person reviews for both you and your employees.

For more great tips on performance reviews and other HR-related matters, check out the YES! Your Human Resources Solution website.