Conducting an Appraisal Meeting

• Create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Appraisals should be seen as a positive experience, not dreaded.
• Keep the meeting positive and constructive - turn any negative issues into a positive by looking at ways of resolving them in conjunction with the employee.
• There should generally be an even split in contribution by either party during the meeting.
• Consider the performance of the employee over the entire appraisal period not just the past few weeks.
• Make brief notes and write them up immediately after the interview in more detail.
• If any aspect of performance is below the expected standard, allow the employee to come up with solutions and suggestions for improvement themselves.
• Any training identified during appraisal should be justifiable and should benefit both the individual and the organisation.
• Any objectives, goals or actions should be summarised at the end of the discussion, setting clear expectations for the next appraisal period.
• Let the employee see the final appraisal document to get their approval and sign off.
• Close the meeting on a positive note, reflecting on success where at all possible.
• Don't wait for the appraisal meeting to revise any serious problems that occur - review these at the time they arise.