Action Plan

by Laurie
(Iowa)

I just had my annual appraisal performance with my boss, she said she would like to develop an action plan for me to help me do better. What is an action plan? And is this the same as being put a probation?

Reply By Peter Fisher

It is quite normal for an action plan to be used as part of the ongoing performance appraisal process, because it gives a better structure to future discussions and you know more clearly what is expected.

It is actually a good thing for you and is not like being on probation - it means that the employer wants to help you to improve your performance and in doing so become a more 'engaged' employee. It also means that the discussion you have with your employer is focused on agreed issues and so is more beneficial than the usual defensive discussions that often take place.

An action plan is usually something like this:

1. What development needs are there? List these development needs one by one. Explanation of and agreement to the needs as identified.

This is good because you get to say where you need help and if you are struggling at all, it can be addressed.

2. How will we meet them?
Explain how you will take action, and what resources you will need, so if you need training or equipment...

3. Date to achieve the development goal?
You both agree the date when you will complete an action or meet a certain requirement.

4. Outcome?
Discuss how your work will change as a result of the development activity so that both employer and employee know that the improvement has been made.

5. Completed
Agreement from your appraiser that the development need has been met and that particular requirement can be signed off.

So I hope you understand that an action plan is a useful part of a performance appraisal process and ongoing feedback. Whenever employee performance fails to meet expectations, the boss should immediately counsel the employee to identify the deficiencies and suggest concrete ways to improve performance.

The boss should also give the employee feedback when performance is good, and this action plan helps that to happen.

There is more about Performance Appraisals on the website. Click the link.