Work Rules: Two Truths of Performance Evaluation Systems

The shortage of critical talent will continue to impact all industries and contractors who master talent will be the winners.

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Performance evaluation systems are a critical part of mastering talent through talent development and is one of the nine key processes

Leadership Tools: Two Truths about Performance Review Systems: No one likes the current system and no one likes the planned changes to the system. Book: Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock

With the construction industry having such a shortage of talent, the contractors that will dominate tomorrow will be the ones that have developed systems for quickly building skills within their teams.

The foundation of great coaching like John Wooden is about being able to give rapid and actionable feedback.

Longer term feedback, including career development planning, requires a more formalized structure that is consistent across the business. There is no perfect system, so you should always be watching the results and improving with each cycle: PDCA

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Laszlo Bock defines it best in his fantastic book called Work Rules.

There are two truths about performance review systems.  

  • Truth One: No one likes the current system.  
  • Truth Two: No one likes the planned changes to the system.  

Remember that all great evaluation systems start with a clear job description.




Definition - SITREP (Situation Report)
A standardized report originated in the military to provide a concise, clear update on the current situation, typically in a combat environment. The principles can be applied to projects and construction businesses.
Winston Churchill - Success, Failure and Enthusiasm
When there are no clear answers, it is critical to experiment, learn, and rapidly scale up those things that work. "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
Doing What You Don't Want to Do
It is natural for all of us to focus on our strengths and the things we love to do. Things we love to do are usually things that we are good at doing; our strengths. None of us were born with great business acumen or technical competency.