The lack of work plans is another reason for failure in the Performance Management System. Work plans are simply a synopsis of the tasks the employee is expected to deliver during a specific time period. These tasks or objectives are commonly known as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

KPIs are supposed to be linked to the organization’s strategic objectives. They are not the employee’s job description although they are inextricably linked. Instead, KPIs are specific deliverables that can change from year to year without operating outside of the employee’s job description. For example, a Sales Representative’s job description may state “Sells widgets”, but the KPI for year 1 might be, “To sell 100 widgets” whilst for year 2 it may be, “To sell 200 widgets”.

KPIs are to be laid out in the employee’s work plan at the beginning of the year along with specific measurements for performance. Therefore, the employee should be fully aware of what he needs to do to achieve a certain score on his appraisal at the end of the year.

Therefore, time spent planning expected performance at the beginning of the year will not be in vain.

Have a blessed week!