Performance Management Toolkit
Why Performance Management Matters
Effective performance management enables federal agencies to better align resources, respond to evolving priorities, and deliver measurable value to the American people. For staff, it provides a structured way to connect individual work to agency goals. For policymakers, it offers critical insights into what’s working, what needs improvement, and where investments can make the greatest impact. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making, performance management strengthens the government’s ability to serve efficiently, equitably, and transparently.
In performance management, agency leaders, supervisors, human resources, and employees all play critical roles, but their responsibilities differ based on focus, scope, and influence.
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Agency Leaders
Agency leadership sets the tone for transparent, consistent, and mission-driven performance expectations across the agency.
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Supervisors
Supervisors vital in setting clear expectations, providing meaningful feedback, and guiding employee development.
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Employees
Take ownership of your development, contribute meaningfully to team goals, and achieve your professional potential.
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Human Resources
HR teams provide the tools, policies, and support that empower leaders and supervisors to manage performance fairly & consistently.
Agency Leaders (Executives & Senior Managers)
As federal leaders, commitment to a culture of performance is essential to achieving the agency’s mission. Effective performance management isn't just about evaluating individual contributions—it's about aligning the workforce with strategic goals, driving accountability, and building a high-performance organization. Agency leadership sets the tone for transparent, consistent, and mission-driven performance expectations across the agency.
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Key Agency Leader Roles in Performance Management
Leaders, supervisors, human resources, and employees all play critical roles, but their responsibilities differ based on focus, scope, and influence.
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Performance Management and Accountability Playbook for Agency Leaders
This playbook contains best practices and strategies to enable successful program implementation, oversight, and assessment.
Supervisors
As a supervisor, you are on the front lines of federal performance management. Your role is vital in setting clear expectations, providing meaningful feedback, and guiding employee development. By applying the principles of fair and constructive performance management, you help ensure that your team remains engaged, productive, and aligned with agency priorities. Your leadership has a direct impact on individual and organizational success.
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Key Supervisor Roles in Performance Management
Leaders, supervisors, human resources, and employees all play critical roles, but their responsibilities differ based on focus, scope, and influence.
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Performance Management Federal Supervisors Training
This course covers topics specific to performance management and enables supervisors to manage with confidence. You can download this course and load it into your LMS.
Performance Management Roadmap for Supervisors
This roadmap outlines the five performance management steps that supervisors can take to establish and maintain a high-performance workplace culture.
Best Practices for Supervisors
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Guiding Principles for Performance Measurement
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Employee Performance Quick Guide
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Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)
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Addressing & Resolving Poor Performance
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Taking Action on Poor Performance
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Performance Elements Quick Guide
Articles for Supervisors
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Performance Plan Checklist
This checklist serves to aid supervisors in effectively establish an employees performance plan.
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Improved Performance Starts with Planning I
This article addresses performance planning through setting performance goals and determining what needs to be done to reach them.
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Improved Performance Starts with Planning II
This article addresses goal setting at the individual level.
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Improved Performance Starts with Planning III
This article addresses planning for group performance by setting goals at the group level.
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Performance Management Competencies: Communication Skills
This article explains why it is important for managers to possess excellent communication skills and why they are essential for effective performance management.
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Developing Performance Standards
Reviews the principles of writing good performance standards to appraise employee performance.
Employees
As a federal employee, you play a vital role in the success of your agency’s mission. Performance management is a collaborative process that helps you understand expectations, receive feedback, and grow in your career. By actively engaging in this process, you can take ownership of your development, contribute meaningfully to team goals, and achieve your professional potential.
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Key Employee Roles in Performance Management
Leaders, supervisors, human resources, and employees all play critical roles, but their responsibilities differ based on focus, scope, and influence.
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Performance Management Cycle
Performance management involves much more than just assigning ratings. Progress toward set goals is measured and employees get feedback.
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Individual Development Plan (IDP) Template
Your IDP serves as record for professional developmental activities selected by an employee to meet short- and long-term career goals in agreement with their supervisor.
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Employee Check-in Template
Employees can use this template to document their progress reviews during their performance plan period.
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Employee Accountability Quick Guide
Employee accountability means taking responsibility for your actions, performance, and decisions in the workplace.
Human Resources
HR teams are the strategic partners behind effective performance management in the federal workplace. You provide the tools, policies, and support that empower leaders and supervisors to manage performance fairly and consistently. Your expertise helps create a framework that promotes accountability, fosters employee growth, and ensures compliance with federal regulations. In doing so, you contribute to a high-functioning and mission-focused workforce.
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Key Human Resource Roles in Performance Management
Leaders, supervisors, human resources, and employees all play critical roles, but their responsibilities differ based on focus, scope, and influence.
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Performance Management Federal Supervisors Training
This course covers topics specific to performance management and enables supervisors to manage with confidence. You can download this course and load it into your LMS.
Submitting a Non-SES Performance Appraisal System
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A Submission Guide
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Submission Form (OPM 1631)
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Submission Instructions
Resources for HR Professionals
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Guide to Processing Awards Requiring OPM Approval
Provides guidance and establishes procedures for requesting approval of cash awards over $10,000 and the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service.