1. Appraisal Skills with Charan Sarai Practice Manager Adviser

2. What’s the purpose of an appraisal? Increase an employee’s performance and efficiency Increase motivation Ensure that employees are kept updated Inform employees of skills they will need to address and change positiviely

3. Our advice has been if this is the case, start from the very beginning and revamp your system: - Look at why you do them and what you hope to gain. - Do you have a business plan ? - Have you a goal/vision. Some practices have made us aware that they are just going through the motions of appraisal and its very evident that employees, don't like them and don't want them.

4. What preparation do I need to do prior to conducting an appraisal? 1 Being prepared is essential 2 Start with what is written in the job description 3 Read what was agreed at the previous appraisal 4 Consider evidence – proudest moments, difficult situations and when they’ve helped others 5 Let your appraisee know in plenty of time

5. Be sure that they have the necessary paperwork to fill in prior to the appraisal. Provide copies of the previous documents, such as the result of their last appraisal, or other information that is pertinent.

6. What do I do if they don't complete their form? Make it very clear that no appraisal interview will take place without the form being completed. Create a culture that says, the manager will do their pre- appraisal work and it is expected that the appraisee will do the same. Reinforce the message when you have team meetings and be encouraged that the first time you have to re-schedule a meeting due to lack of compliance the word very quickly gets out to the other employees.

7. 1 Organise the environment in which the meeting will take place 2 Don’t look hurried or that you’re not focused 3 This is about the appraisee 4 Block out your diary and make arrangements to not be disturbed 5 Arrange chairs to interview side by side rather than across a desk 6 Have some water available How do you get the best from the meeting?

8. Could their performance be improved and if so how? What new skills will they need for the future? What will they need to do to adapt to a new situation (possible mergers etc) Do they need training, personal coaching or mentoring? Are there any relevant cost effective training courses available? Think about their development and performance

9. What issues may arise? Imagine and prepare yourself… Can you provide practical solutions to these? Do you think their career expectations are real? How will you handle people who want a job that's not there? What if you receive criticism yourself: How will you handle it? Be wise and prepare yourself.

10. Be aware that you are in an ongoing relationship with your staff. Conduct it in such a way that this relationship is developed not damaged. Keep to the facts, use the evidence and background for your discussions. Be fully engaged with open handed body language plus good eye contact that will suggest you are attentive. Remember the appraisee should be doing at least 50% of the talking. Don’t let it be just a ‘you telling them’ session. Decide how you are going to open the meeting. Establish the rapport and encourage participation. The use of open-ended questions will encourage them to talk. Conducting an appraisal

11. Focus on Results... Not emotional issues Don’t talk in generalities Be specific about the situations Whether positive reflection or critical comments Think about how you would compare the work of an average member of staff with that of an exceptional one Consider how you will convey this to the appraisee

12. Cost effective solutions What practical cost effective solutions can be sought that will increase the performance and motivation of your staff? Continually ask your appraisee for their ideas Don’t limit the discussion to your own ideas or simply telling them what to do and how you want it done Never promise something that you can not deliver If you do it will come back to haunt you Do not raise any issues that you cannot solve

13. ACTION PLAN COMMITMENT PRACTICAL ACTION RESULTS

14. Thank you for watching! For further information please visit our website: www.firstpracticemanagement.co.uk Or for details on Thornfields’ training courses visit: www.thornfields.co.uk