If you followed our tips for writing effective performance objectives, the task of reviewing an employees’ performance – or your own performance – will be easier and more rewarding. Acceptable performance documentation includes enough information and uses specific, objective language.  Here are the criteria for acceptable performance documentation:

• Describes behavior, performance, and results the evaluator has observed
• Describes behavior, performance, and results that other have observed
• Explains, illustrates, and supports the evaluator’s conclusions about the employee’s rating or ranking
• Documents agreements
• Tells employees clearly what they are doing well, and what they need to improve
• Documents learning plans or other expectations for growth

Here are several sets of statements taken from performance documents.  For each one, use your imagination to rewrite them so that the follow the criteria above.

1. Cecile’s clothing is inappropriate.
2. Daniel is very reliable.
3. Josh is very unprofessional in his dealings with clients.

Here’s one way to rewrite the statements so that they follow the criteria for effective performance documentation:

1. Cecile often wears jeans and sandals or sneakers to work, although she has been told that the dress code prohibits such casual cothing for customer service staff.
2. Daniel is at his desk ready to work by 8:30 every morning.
3. Three times during this performance period, I overheard Josh telling off-color jokes to clients.