Question

What are some of the ways in which managers can establish clear standards of expected job performance for their employees?

In what manner and how often should managers communicate those performance standards? Why?

Answer 1

Ways in which managers can establish clear standards of expected job performance for employees-

Determining the expectation

Minimization of confusion by defining the expectations

Introduce the significance of expectations to the employees

Elaborating the expectations by using concrete examples and their necessity in big picture of the organization's goals

Getting into agreement by requiring employees to signing off the expectation. This ensures their commitment towards it.

To maintain the standards of the expectations of job performance from employees, some experts recommend SMART goals where SMART involves Specific-Measurable-Achievable-Realistic-Time bound. All these qualities should be maintained to set the standards of expected job performance.

Following questions can be considerd while establishing the standards of expected job performance-

What is a good job?

How much is needed?

When does we need results?

How good could it be?

If there are any safety considerations?

If there involves any legal or regulatory requirements?

What kind of result would be satisfactory?

How is good and bad performance different?

Expectation on each position should be defined and communicated clearly.To new or to existing employees, it should be communicated on regular basis and should be reviewed periodically.

These expectations can ne communicated as following-

Solidifying the expectations-While assigning the task, the set standard and the time frame in which it should be completed should be clearly communicated to the employees.

Providing purpose to them- Manager should give them reason for the completion of the project on time by counting its benefits to them.

Confirmation- By breaking down things or tasks out of the big project in the form of expectations to every employee. It helps to motivate them and also good for projection of work assigned without any ambiguity.

Checking back- It involves reviewing and acknowledging. It should not be constant on people's back. Only casual checking can be done.

Holding regular meetings whether monthly or fortnightly as per the size of the project.