7.5.2.3.1
Performance Management
Managing employees’ performance is a key determinant in enabling Shasta Head Start to most effectively serve children and families in our community. Conducting performance evaluations provides great value, however, performance management involves much more than simply completing an evaluation. Performance management is an ongoing, long-term strategy that Shasta Head Start utilizes as a means to operate an efficient and productive business, ensuring organizational excellence.
It is important for supervisors to create an atmosphere of open communication with their staff. Open, ongoing, professional, performance-oriented communication is an effective way to establish expectations for both the employee and the supervisor. Having clear expectations with regards to job duties, performance expectations, and behavior increases productivity, efficiency, and employee morale.
Performance management must be an ongoing process for the employee to succeed in their job. Supervisors and employees are strongly encouraged to discuss job performance and goals on both an informal, day-to-day basis and on a routine, scheduled basis. Many performance struggles can be prevented through this open dialogue, especially if they are discussed soon after any performance issues arise. Similarly, acknowledging exemplary performance as it happens reinforces the positive, allows the employee to feel valued, and encourages exceptional performance in the future.