Survey Questions: Managing Performance
Definition: Managing Performance is the process of establishing clear goals and expectations, communicating roles and responsibilities, and using measurable criteria to track and assess individual and team outcomes. It involves continuous monitoring through benchmarks and performance audits, timely feedback, and formal reviews to identify areas of strength and improvement. Managers support growth by providing training opportunities, increasing responsibilities for high performers, and implementing targeted remediation plans when performance falls short. Recognizing accomplishments through fair rewards and celebrating contributions builds accountability, motivates excellence, and aligns effort with organizational success.
Goals and ObjectivesGoals and Objectives focus on what needs to be accomplished. This behavior emphasizes defining specific, measurable outcomesâwhether long-term or short-termâand aligning them with organizational priorities. Leaders who excel here clarify departmental targets, adjust goals as conditions evolve, and ensure that individuals understand and commit to achieving those aims. It's about setting direction and tracking progress toward completion, often using metrics or milestones as accountability markers. In this context, goals serve as the compass that guides performance across roles and functions.
- My team leader ensures team members understand the department goals.
- My manager sets long and short term goals.
- My supervisor adjusts performance goals as needed to meet the demands of the department/organization.
- My team leader sets challenging goals and objectives.
- The supervisor measures job performance of subordinates against defined goals and objectives.
- Our manager measures performance of goals and objectives.
- The project manager ensures that team goals are met 85 percent of the time.
- Our department provides employees with necessary resources to accomplish their goals.
- Leaders set specific and measurable goals for others and follows through to ensure completion.
- My supervisor sets clear and ambitious goals to be met.
- Our manager aligns individual and team goals with the organization's goals and objectives.
- My manager makes sure the team's goals are met.
Performance ExpectationsPerformance Expectations focus on how work should be carried out to meet those goals. This behavior sets clear standards around quality, timeliness, behavior, and contribution - ensuring employees know what excellence looks like in daily execution. It reflects a managerial responsibility to establish fair, actionable criteria for evaluating performance, provide consistency across roles, and foster commitment to those standards. It's less about the destination and more about the operating norms that support the journey.
- The project leader ensures employees understand performance standards/requirements.
- Supervisors set performance expectations that are clear, specific and concise.
- The project manager sets and maintains high standards for self and others.
- The supervisor establishes standards for expected performance.
- The project manager creates clear standards that are understandable and fair.
- The project manager sets the objectives and key results (OKRs) required for the position.
- Leaders ensure employees understand their performance expectations.
- The supervisor ensures employees understand how work is to be completed.
- My manager aligns individual and team performance expectations with the organization's expectations.
- Managers plan and set work expectations.
- My manager obtains commitment from employees regarding completion of tasks.
- My manager revises the objectives and key results (OKRs) required for the position on a quarterly basis.
Determines MeasuresDetermines Measures emphasizes the design and definition of performance standards. This behavior involves identifying relevant KPIs, aligning OKRs with organizational goals, and selecting or adapting frameworks that specify what success looks like. It's a strategic and foundational activity focused on deciding what to measure, why it matters, and how measurement should be structured. Leaders who determine measures are setting the rules for evaluation, often integrating both quantitative and qualitative indicators to ensure alignment between performance and purpose.
- My team leader establishes standards for expected performance.
- Managers identify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the position.
- My manager uses existing performance frameworks to define measures of performance.
- The project leader creates several measures of success for each goal.
- My manager determines the operational standards needed for performance of the job.
- Our department determines the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) needed for the position.
- The project manager links qualitative objectives to quantitative key results.
- My supervisor establishes indicators to measure levels of performance.
- My manager ensures that OKRs are aligned with company objectives.
- My supervisor establishes measures of performance.
- The project manager monitors performance on a regular basis.
- Managers use established criteria for measuring job performance.
Communicating ExpectationsCommunicating Expectations emphasizes clarity and shared understanding of performance standards. It focuses on making sure employees know exactly what is expected of them through role definitions, KPIs, OKRs, timelines, and production targets. This behavior fosters alignment and minimizes ambiguity by proactively conveying goals, responsibilities, and metrics. Effective communication of expectations lays the foundation for performance. It's the precondition for evaluating success, guiding effort, and enabling consistent execution
- My department ensures employees understand their performance expectations.
- The project manager communicates OKRs to employees regularly during monthly meetings.
- My manager makes sure commitments are understood and met.
- The supervisor conveys expectations for meeting performance metrics.
- My supervisor informs employees of the required sales/production targets.
- The company makes sure employees understand what is expected of them.
- My supervisor articulates the performance requirements for the position.
- My manager communicates the roles and responsibilities to the employee.
- My manager ensures the employee understands the key tasks, goals and KPIs required for the position.
- Supervisors are consistent in clearly communicating job requirements.
- The department head ensures job descriptions are up to date and accurate.
AccountabilityAccountability centers on ownership, follow-through, and consequences. It reflects a manager's commitment to holding individuals and teams responsible for fulfilling those clearly defined expectations. This includes tracking progress, reinforcing commitments, addressing missed objectives, and ensuring the delivery of results. Accountability moves beyond setting the standardâit ensures people live up to it, reinforcing trust, discipline, and credibility in performance management.
- Managers document performance commitments and hold employees to those agreements during subsequent check-ins and evaluations.
- Supervisors ensure employees are accountable for meeting OKRs.
- Our manager stresses the importance of meeting production quotas.
- The team leader follows up on delegated tasks at defined checkpoints to ensure commitments are honored.
- My manager holds the team leader accountable for the team meeting key performance responsibilities.
- My manager addresses missed deadlines or quality issues promptly.
- Managers assign task and responsibilities and hold employees accountable for actions.
- The supervisor assigns responsibility for meeting specific objectives.
- My team leader requires employees to provide status updates that explain progress, obstacles, and next steps.
- The company holds employees accountable for meeting performance expectations.
- The supervisor clarifies consequences for unmet expectations and applies them consistently to reinforce responsibility for results.
- Supervisors ensure that corrective actions are completed fully and on time.
- The project manager holds the team accountable for meeting objectives.
Measures PerformanceMeasures Performance focuses on the application and monitoring of those predefined standards. It reflects the practice of gathering data, reviewing benchmarks, and assessing how well individuals or teams are meeting expectations. This behavior is operational and executional to ensure that performance is tracked regularly (e.g., through quotas, metrics, or reports), and that assessments are tied directly to established goals. Measures Performance is about using it to understand and guide results.
- My department uses pre-established key benchmarks to measure performance.
- Our team uses dashboards, scorecards, or other reporting tools to track real-time performance indicators and adjust priorities accordingly.
- The supervisor analyzes trends in performance data over time to identify patterns, improvements, or emerging performance risks.
- The project manager validates the accuracy of performance data by cross-checking reports, logs, or system records to ensure reliable measurement.
- Our department records production quotas on a daily basis.
- My supervisor measures performance using standard production quotas.
- My team leader reviews job performance shortly after completion of tasks.
- The supervisor assesses employee performance against defined standards.
- The supervisor compares individual performance results against team averages or historical benchmarks to determine relative effectiveness.
- The supervisor measures job performance of subordinates against defined goals and objectives.
MonitoringMonitoring reflects the ongoing, real-time evaluation of performance through regular check-ins, staff meetings, weekly audits, and informal feedback. It's a continuous, dynamic process that allows managers to course-correct, recognize progress, and resolve issues as they arise. Monitoring keeps performance visible and adaptive. Managers assess against established indicators and benchmarks to ensure goals stay on track, often making adjustments or providing coaching in the moment.
- My manager monitors performance on a regular basis.
- Our team establishes measures of performance.
- The project manager establishes indicators to measure levels of performance.
- Leaders hold audit of performance on a weekly or monthly basis.
- My manager uses weekly staff meetings to assess performance of key responsibilities.
- My manager measures performance and provides feedback to employees regularly.
- Managers monitor progress to ensure performance goals are being met.
- My manager reviews monthly or weekly reports of quantitative metrics (sales/production) to measure performance level.
Performance ReviewsPerformance Reviews are formal and retrospective assessments of employee achievement against predefined goals, standards, and OKRs. These are typically scheduled quarterly or annually and rely on structured evaluation frameworks, forms, and documentation. The focus is less on day-to-day observation and more on milestone-based reflection. This is summarizing performance, offering development feedback, and informing decisions like promotions, raises, or performance plans.
- My manager conducts performance reviews of all employees.
- The project manager conducts Objectives and Key Results (OKR) assessments on a quarterly basis.
- My manager performs thorough and timely employee performance appraisals.
- Our manager performs thorough and timely employee performance reviews.
- The project lead informs team members how their performance compares to stated goals.
- The supervisor uses the current performance review process.
- The team leader uses the established performance review forms to maintain consistency in reviews.
Training and DevelopmentTraining and Development centers on building capability -- it focuses on improving performance through structured learning, targeted support, and skill enhancement. This behavior is often developmental or remedial in nature, used to close performance gaps or help individuals realize their potential. Leaders who emphasize training and development provide resources, recommend learning pathways, and create opportunities for growth based on current limitations or future needs. The emphasis here is on readiness: equipping employees with the knowledge and competencies required for success.
- My department provides support and resources employees need to do their best to accomplish goals.
- My manager requires employees to participate in additional job training as part of a remediation program.
- My manager encourages employees to take additional training in areas where they had low performance scores.
- The company provides employees with training as needed to increase their performance.
- My supervisor trains and develops employees to realize their maximum potential.
- Employees participate in training as needed to improve job performance.
- Leaders ensure employees are trained in areas where performance may be lacking.
Increasing ResponsibilitiesIncreasing Responsibilities reflects trust in demonstrated performance. It's about recognizing individuals who consistently exceed expectations and expanding their scope of work accordingly -- often as a precursor to promotion, leadership development, or increased autonomy. This behavior is a form of performance recognition, where stretch assignments and higher-level tasks are given as a reward and signal of confidence. The emphasis here is on advancement: building on proven success to drive organizational impact and career progression.
- The project manager assigns employees to lead portions of projects or initiatives to build leadership capability and prepare them for higher-level roles.
- Our team provides employees with ownership of more complex tasks to strengthen judgment, autonomy, and decision-making skills.
- Supervisors provide additional responsibilities for employees that exceed performance standards.
- My manager awards new assignments to those who are most capable.
- The team leader assigns additional responsibilities to facilitate internal employee promotions.
- The manager gradually expands the scope of employee roles as their competence and confidence increase, ensuring growth is both challenging and achievable.
- My manager identifies employees who consistently demonstrate reliability and entrusts them with cross-functional or high-visibility responsibilities.
- The project leader gives additional responsibilities to individuals who exceed standards.
- The project leader uses increased responsibility as a structured development tool, aligning new duties with the employee's long-term career path and readiness.
- Our department rewards exceptional individuals with additional responsibilities.
- My supervisor increases responsibilities for high performing individuals.
Poor PerformancePoor Performance behavior reflects the initial managerial response to substandard outcomes or behavior. It emphasizes prompt recognition, timely feedback, and corrective action to maintain accountability and prevent further decline. Managers operating in this space ensure that performance concerns are addressed quickly and consistently, often using disciplinary procedures, probationary status, or direct intervention to signal urgency. The focus is immediate: confronting issues early and clearly to protect team standards and reinforce expectations.
- My manager uses timely and appropriate corrective/disciplinary actions.
- My manager is consistent in disciplinary/corrective actions.
- Managers address poor performance sooner rather than later.
- My manager addresses performance issues as soon as possible.
- The supervisor presents performance feedback in a clear and concise manner to address performance issues.
- My team leader places employees on probation if they fail to meet minimum performance standards.
- The supervisor is consistent in corrective actions.
Remediation PlansRemediation Plans represent a structured path for recovery and sustained improvement. These plans define specific goals, outline corrective actions, and provide a timeframe for progress, often including follow-up checkpoints, developmental support, or coaching interventions. Remediation goes beyond disciplinary response by offering a roadmap for success and tracking improvement over time. It reflects strategic commitment to helping employees rebuild competency, reestablish trust, and return to acceptable performance levels.
- The supervisor documents all remediation steps, discussions, and progress updates to maintain transparency and support future performance decisions.
- My supervisor identifies specific actions to be addressed through the remediation plan.
- Our department implements remediation plans for poor performing employees with follow up after 3 months.
- My manager initiates probationary actions for employees with sub-par performance.
- My manager implements remediation plans as needed.
- My team leader provides targeted coaching, training, or resources during the remediation period to ensure the employee has a fair opportunity to improve.
- Managers implement remediation plans that include specific performance goals in areas most in need of improvement.
- Managers collaborate with the employee to identify root cause of performance gaps and incorporate those insights into a tailored improvement plan.
- The project manager initiates a performance improvement plan for underperforming subordinates.
- The project manager sets clear milestones and interim checkpoints within the remediation plan to track progress and adjust support as needed.
Rewards and RecognitionRewards and Recognition reflects a broad and inclusive culture of acknowledgment, emphasizing both informal and formal appreciation for contributions that support organizational goals. This behavior includes real-time praise, bottom-line impact recognition, peer validation, and leadership-driven acknowledgment capturing a wide spectrum of performance, from exceeding targets to contributing meaningfully to team success. Its scope is relational and motivational, aimed at reinforcing morale, visibility, and a culture of appreciation across various achievement levels and moments.
- My team leader acknowledges employee contributions that support the bottom line.
- The project manager highlights exemplary work during team meetings to reinforce desired behaviors and motivate others.
- The project manager recognizes team members when they contribute significantly to the team.
- Leaders recommend employees for distinguished service award if warranted.
- My team rewards employees for exceeding goals.
- Managers acknowledge employee contributions that support the bottom line.
- My team leader celebrates incremental progress on long-term goals to sustain the team's momentum and acknowledge consistent effort.
- Our department recognizes and values good performance.
- My supervisor ensures team members receive rewards for positive performance accomplishments.
- My manager links recognition to demonstrated growth, improvement, or mastery of new responsibilities to reinforce development.
- Our department provides personalized recognition that reflects the specific contributions and strengths of each employee.
Rewards Good PerformanceRewards Good Performance emphasizes formalized acknowledgment for exemplary achievement, often tied to specific types of contribution such as perseverance, creativity, long-term service, or leadership excellence. It's structured around criteria that distinguish individuals who consistently perform at a high level or go above and beyond. Done through institutional mechanisms like promotions, awards, or executive recognition. This behavior elevates performance to symbolic status, reinforcing standards and inspiring others by spotlighting exceptional effort.
- My manager ensures team members receive rewards for positive performance accomplishments.
- My manager rewards employees for exceeding goals.
- My manager recognizes employees with a long and distinguished career of service.
- Our department recognizes employees who have courage in persevering against great odds and difficulties.
- Our department recognizes people who provide outstanding leadership in planning, organizing.
- Senior executives reward individuals who show imagination in developing creative solutions to problems.
Administers Rewards Program
- My manager is proactive in administering the reward program.
- My supervisor administers the performance rewards program in a fair and equitable manner.
- Our department ensures the eligibility of the proposed award recipient.