If the performance cycle ended now, your rating would be…

Halfway through a performance cycle, at the monthly performance check-in, I try to answer three questions:

1. What would your rating be if the performance cycle ended right now? (This kills virtually all “OMG, this rating is so unfair, why didn’t you give me feedback earlier?” conversations later during the final review).
2. Why not higher? (Use this to lay out clear opportunities to raise their rating before the final review).
3. Why not lower? (Here’s where you can draw a direct connection between people’s good work and their rating).

I write it down ahead of time because I’m a slow processor and something this important deserves some focused thought.

Also see Critter’s 4+1 Management Process™️ because it has a ™️ so it’s legit.