Upon initial examination, the root causes of this situation could be manifold. The performance management system might be outdated, not aligned with the company's current strategic objectives, or not effectively communicated to the employees. Alternatively, the organization's management might not be effectively using the system to motivate employees and drive performance.
A 5-phase approach to Performance Management can be employed to address this situation:
While this methodology is robust, the CEO might be concerned about the potential disruption during the implementation phase, the costs associated with developing and implementing a new system, and the time required to see tangible results.
To mitigate these concerns, it is important to emphasize that the implementation will be done in phases to minimize disruption. Additionally, the costs of not addressing the current issues could far outweigh the costs of developing and implementing a new system. Finally, while the results might not be immediate, the long-term benefits in terms of improved performance and employee morale will be significant.
To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in Performance Management. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and Performance Management subject matter experts.
For effective implementation, take a look at these Performance Management best practices:
Several Fortune 500 companies have successfully overhauled their Performance Management systems to drive performance and align it with their strategic objectives. For instance, General Electric replaced its traditional annual review system with a more flexible, real-time feedback system. Similarly, Adobe replaced its annual performance reviews with regular check-ins, resulting in a 30% decrease in voluntary turnover.
The organization's leadership must be fully committed to the new Performance Management system for it to be successful. They must be willing to lead by example, effectively communicate the new system to the employees, and provide necessary support during the implementation phase.
Furthermore, the organization must be ready to invest in training and development to equip its employees with the necessary skills and competencies to meet the new performance standards.
Lastly, it is important to remember that a Performance Management system is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The system must be tailored to the organization's specific needs and strategic objectives, and regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Here are additional resources relevant to Performance Management from the Flevy Marketplace.
![]() |
Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates
Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more. |