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OPM.gov / Policy / Performance Management / Performance Management Playbook
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Assessing and Rewarding

Goal

  • Reinforce high performance and increase motivation through meaningful recognition.

Strategies and Actions

  • Use a standardized format for performance reviews that covers key areas such as job knowledge, skill application, behavior, and outcomes.

  • Allow employees to assess their own performance before the review. This opens the door for constructive conversations about strengths and areas for growth.

  • Gather input from other team members, clients, and cross-functional collaborators to ensure a holistic evaluation.

  • Ensure rewards are directly tied to measurable results, behaviors, or goal achievements.

  • Don’t wait until annual reviews to give recognition.

    • Use spot awards or real-time recognition to reinforce behaviors quickly.
  • Encourage peer-to-peer recognition as well as top-down.

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