Working in the public sector today is challenging. Fiscal pressures, political winds, and shifting priorities can make the most devoted public servant question their commitment. Yet, engaging employees is at the top of the agenda for most public sector human...
For years the human resources (HR) professional has been taking about becoming a strategic partner with management. HR professionals say they want to “have a seat at the table,” “to be a strategic business partner,” and “to add value” to the organization. Yet, many...
If you struggle to write annual performance evaluations, you may be overlooking the most valuable source of data you have: the employee. Asking for the employee’s feedback before you begin writing can provide helpful and specific input. Here are some tips for asking...
It’s a common managerial dilemma. You ask an employee to do something that seems simple to you. And, what you get is not what you expected. For whatever reason, the employee did not complete the job to your standards. Usually, this frustrating experience happens...
Have you ever experienced the inheritance surprise? You inherit an employee who has a history of performance challenges, and the previous manager has not addressed and/or documented the behaviors. As a result, you are "starting from scratch" with the employee—unable...
Who gets excited about being told what to do? Not many of us. We all want to participate in conversations that impact our work life. One opportunity to engage employees in a conversation about work is to mutually develop performance goals. Performance goals can...
Managers and employees alike dread that annual ritual of performance evaluations. In some agencies, the event is postponed for as long as possible. In others, it is just avoided – sometimes for years. Performance evaluations offer the opportunity for enhanced...
“A ‘five’ rating in my work group is not the same as a ‘five’ rating in another group.” When you design a performance evaluation system you want it to be fair. Yet, fairness is often an elusive characteristic in public sector employee performance evaluation systems. ...
Hierarchical organizations, like traditional public agencies, have developed structures, policies, and rules that minimize risk taking and encourage standardized work processes. Governments have traditionally rewarded those who “play by the rules.” This approach...