Discussion: NURS 6221 Improvement vs. Fear Through Performance Reviews

Discussion: NURS 6221 Improvement vs. Fear Through Performance Reviews

The face-to-face performance review is one part of performance management. Observing an employee, and then sitting down to discuss areas of strength and need is intended to produce constructive outcomes. Yet, too frequently, the reality falls far short.

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When considering performance reviews, “positive” or “negative” does not refer to the substantive evaluation but to how the information is presented and discussed. For example, in a “positive” performance review, negative information is not avoided and, significantly, not communicated in a punitive way or as a reflection on employee character. Rather, negative information is detailed as an opportunity for improvement.

For this Discussion, you will reflect on circumstances and behaviors that can lead performance reviews awry, and how to support a review process with constructive outcomes.

To Prepare:

Review the Learning Resources on performance reviews and appraisals. Pay particular attention to the media programs for potential problems and solutions to consider.

Consider the benefits and drawbacks of performance reviews and appraisals.

What are the characteristics of a positive and effective performance review? What factors create a performance evaluation that contributes to improved performance, rather than injecting fear and self-protection in the workplace? In what ways can performance reviews impact the effectiveness of employees and the healthcare organization?

Draw on the Learning Resources, as well as your own experiences with performance reviews in healthcare settings, to consider how to avoid performance reviews that provoke fear and how to ensure a process that supports performance improvement through openness, honesty, and collaborative problem solving.

Discussion: NURS 6221 Improvement vs. Fear Through Performance Reviews

Consider insights from your Module 3 Assignment interview to apply to the Discussion, such as examples of criteria used to evaluate employee performance, and if and how that criteria is communicated to employees.

By Day 3 of Week 6

Post the following:

A brief description of factors that contribute to generating fear in employee performance reviews in a healthcare setting. Include examples from your own experience, and/or those of colleagues and other acquaintances, of positive or negative performance reviews. Explain strategies to eliminate fear and to develop and implement constructive reviews that improve performance. Support your post with the Learning Resources or current literature.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

By Day 6 of Week 6

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days by providing additional or alternative factors that contribute to generating fear in performance reviews and/or strategies for reviews that promote improved performance. Include examples and insights from your Module Assignment interview with a nurse executive. Support your responses with the Learning Resources or other current literature.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Post to Discussion Question link, and then select Create Thread to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!