The error of central tendency occurs when supervisors rate all employees around the center of the rating scale. The leniency error occurs when supervisors give employees high ratings regardless of performance. Plan How to Present the Written Appraisal - Before jumping into the appraisal interview, it's important to take a step back and review everything you've written. Think about how you're going to approach the employee and be sure to have backup when giving negative comments. No Surprises - If you have documented all incidents of an employee's behavior through the year, then you should have no worry of the employee being surprised about any of your comments.
Surprises cause fear and anger.
Discuss with the employee any plans for improvement or new goals. Follow Up on the Appraisal - Follow up on agreements made during the interview. Be sure the employee is keeping up with their goals. To read more on this topic, click here. The second step to help performance appraisals be less dreadful is eliminating fear through clarity of expectations.