Effective Project Management

Section K Performance Appraisals

As a project manager, you are unlikely to be directly responsible for carrying out performance appraisals except, perhaps, for your secretary. Performance appraisals are the responsibility of the line manager. Nevertheless, any project organization that is serious about project management must involve the project manager in the performance appraisal of their direct reports. This is necessary in order to make the matrix structure function effectively.

1 Purpose and Preparation

1.1

The purpose of performance appraisals is to let the person being appraised know how they are getting on and what is expected of them.

1.1.1

This is important for career development, improving the individual's performance on their current assignment, and to decide on salary increases and promotion.

1.1.2

On a project, promotion may not be possible, depending on the form of contract with the client. It may require their approval.

1.2

The line manager, project manager, and the project team member being appraised all need to arrive at an objective assessment of performance.

1.3

The feedback provided is part of the motivational processes and needs to be carried out in a carefully controlled way.

1.3.1

Avoid criticism that can produce a defensive reaction and have a negative effect on achievement and relationships.

2 The Interview

2.1

Pick a neutral, relaxing location and allow adequate time. Make sure that there are no interruptions. ...