1.5 - About University

13.7D OCUMENTING E MPLOYEE P ERFORMANCEANDB EHAVIORInspired by Connie Quinn.Leaders often recoil at the idea of having to complete annual performance reviews, or havingto document performance or behavior problems as part of disciplinary action. Keeping specific,accurate, and current records on significant employee performance and on-the-job behaviorcan make these chores a lot easier.The obvious benefits of documenting✔ Completing a specific, objective, and balancedperformance review becomes considerably easier ifthese notes are maintained regularly.✔ This level of documentation is essential fordisciplinary action within most organizations.The less-obvious benefits of documenting✔ It is a structured way to ensure that you areproviding regular and balanced feedback to youremployees.✔ Reviewing this documentation provides data forassessing and improving your own communicationand leadership performance.S AMPLE FORMAT FOR DOCUMENTING PERFORMANCEAND ON- THE- JOB BEHAVIOREmployee Name: ____________________________________________________________Date Positive performance/behavior Date Negative performance/behaviorG UIDELINES FOR USING THIS FORMATAlthough this is simply an organized way of keeping up-to-date records, it is a surprisinglypowerful leadership tool if these guidelines are followed:✔✔One absolute requirement for using this form is that you make entries only after youhave first reviewed the relevant information directly with the employee concerned. Inthis way, you can be assured that you have provided timely feedback to the employeeand that your notes are accurate and reliable. Only if this step is followed will this formprove to be a powerful leadership tool.Use this form regularly (at least weekly). Although it takes only a few minutes to makethese notes, it does take ongoing discipline to regularly provide feedback to employees.Although providing feedback does take time, research shows that regular feedback is412 SECTION 13 TOOLS FOR LEADING PERFORMANCE