1. An Introduction to the PDRs Workshop (Reviewees)

2. The purpose of the Workshop
An overview of the PDRs in UL
The process involved – from a Reviewee perspective
Reviewer Sessions – available separately

3. The Purpose of the PDRs
Aligning University/College/Division/Department/Team/Individual Objectives
Promoting a culture of continuous Improvement
Understanding roles and expectations
Supporting personal development
Developing critical competencies – Competency Framework now in place for Administrative Staff

4. The PDRs Review Cycle

5. UL’s Mission
The mission of the University of Limerick is to be a distinctive, pioneering and connected university that shapes the future through educating and empowering people to meet the real challenges of tomorrow.

6. The University’s Vision
Our vision is to be internationally known as a distinctive, pioneering and connected institution that provides outstanding student experiences, actively engages in research and is globally and locally connected in terms of its contribution to economic, social and cultural life. Our vision is underpinned by a number of core values.

7. Four strategic goals have been identified to drive the implementation of our Strategic Plan 2011–15.
The goals focus on
(i) the student experience;
(ii) our research profile;
(iii) our international focus; and
(iv) our contribution to the development of the nation and the region.

8. Goal 1
To provide an outstanding and distinctive experience for every one of our students to enable them to become knowledgeable, skilled and confident graduates.
Objective – Increase retention rates to 95% - 1st year students
Increase taught post graduates students by 30%
Student Population – Mature students 15% - Students with disabilities 5%
7% Students form Socio-Economic disadvantaged backgrounds

9. Goal 2
To further enhance our research profile and strengthen the impact of our research both nationally and internationally.
Objective – Increase the enrolment of doctoral students by 40%
Increase the number of publications in the ISI Web of Knowledge/number of books by prestigious publishers by 20%
Publication citations by 50%

10. Goal 3 Sharpen our international focus in all areas of activity.
Adopting the Business plan by March 2011
50% increase in the number of International Students
30% increase in the number of students who spend time abroad on their programme

11. Goal 4
To be renowned for the excellence of our contribution to the economic, educational, social and cultural life of Ireland in general and the Shannon Region in particular.
Increase by 200% the number of students participating in the President’s Volunteer Programme
Increase by 300% the volume of teaching and research collaborations with MI
Doubling by 2015 the number of staff who have completed the Irish Language Programme.

12. 4 Enablers
People
Resources
Quality
Communication

13. Purpose of the PDRs
Clarity on what the University can do/needs to do to support staff in achieving its goals.
Aid to performance
Consistency in management practice across the University both for Faculty and Staff.
People take accountability for their own performance.

14. The Purpose of the PDRs Recognising staff achievements
Promoting communications between Managers/Supervisors and their staff
Formalising what you do already within a Performance Management Framework.
Good Management Practice.

15. 3 STAGES IN THE PDRS PROCESS
Pre-Review Stage – Planning & Documentation
The Planning/Review Meeting
Post-Review Stage – The follow-through and implementation 15

16. Two aspects of the review
Two key aspects to the review process
Looking back
Review performance against targets in the previous year
Review display of competencies required for the role
Looking forward
Setting targets for the following year
Discuss competencies required for the role
Identifying any development needs and plans for development interventions
Agreeing the action plans for both
First Meeting – Planning Meeting

17. Objectives of the Review stage
Formally review performance of previous 12 months on targets and competencies.
Construct a narrative based on achievement of Targets and display of competencies
Agree targets for following 12 months.
Agree changes to competencies (if necessary)
Agree training and development plan for next cycle. 17

18. The 1-1 Review discussion is intended to
Provide a means by which individual contributions are recognised
Provide feedback on individual performance
Assist staff to develop themselves to their full potential, overcoming any problems in agreed ways which they themselves help to define.
Essential aid to monitoring performance during the probation period.

19. Benefits of effective review ? Exercise
What are the benefits of an effective review of performance to:
The Organisation
The Manager/Head of Department
The Job Holder

20. Benefits of an effective review of performance
The Organisation
Improved performance of it’s people and as a consequence, of the organisation itself.
Links individual’s targets to the organisation’s strategy and key corporate goals.
Fair and consistent processes in the management of people.
Greater internal flexibility
Mechanism for obtaining feedback and new ideas.

21. Benefits of an effective review of performance
Managers
Improved communication with staff through feedback
Have a consistent approach for giving feedback and encouragement
Deal with problems more effectively, proactively
Allocated undisturbed time to each employee
Opportunity to invite feedback on your management style.

22. Benefits of an effective review of performance
Jobholders:
Know how they are doing
Know what is expected of them
Receive recognition and praise
Heard and respected
Receive help and encouragement
Take ownership for their performance
They get accurate feedback based on performance against agreed objectives

23. Exercise Advantages of a PDRs System
Challenges of a PDRs to the Reviewee

24. ADVANTAGES OF THE PDRs Communication Increased awareness
Provides an overview
Aligns personal and departmental objectives
Highlights problems
Identifies training needs
Increases efficiency
Improves morale
Improves quality of services
Permission to change culture 24

25. STRESS- of interview TIME Challenges
in preparation for self assessment and Performance Management interview
in holding interviews
in following up on interview
increases departmental work load 25

26. Challenges
FEAR OF
Exposure, criticism, conflict, unrealistic expectations, prejudice, personality clash, coercion, disciplinary proceedings, unrealistic targets. Insensitivity, lack of confidentiality. (From reviewees)
Subjectivity, insufficient skills, conflict. (From reviewers)

27. Challenges Concern that :
Performance Management may encourage staff to over value themselves
Performance Management may create unrealistic expectations among staff leading to decreased morale
Performance Management may create a situation in which "lobbying"for self interest might occur

28. Challenges of PDRs Unrealistic expectations Documentation
Poor unprofessional review

29. PDRs at UL Who should be reviewed?
- All categories and levels of Staff including staff on Probation
- Exempt Staff
Within one year of retirement

30. PDRs at UL Who will conduct the review? Deans or Head of Department
Division Director, Department Manager/Supervisor – i.e. the person you report directly to.
Other appropriate nominated reviewers

31. How many meetings are required per year?
1 Formal Meeting per annum
Year 1 - Planning Meeting – Looking Forward
Year 2 – Review of Performance against agreed objectives and agreement on objectives for year ahead- Look back & forward.
Development Plan reviewed and new plan agreed. and then an annual review meeting.

32. The Role of the Reviewer
Appeal to the Head of Department or the next most senior member of staff i.e. The reviewer is your Manager’s Manager and may be involved in your 1-1 meeting if required.
Requested in place of the Manager where there is a specific problem. Reviewee has a concern about the nominated Reviewer
Reviewee and Reviewer cannot agree objectives- Reviewer can help the manager and jobholder reach agreement if necessary (i.e. act as a mediator)
Remain objective in the process

33. What is in the system for me, as an employee?
Work for a target driven organisation
Have my performance validated against clearly defined targets (evidence in writing – can be used for promotion purposes if desired)
Receive recognition for my contribution to organisational goals
Have clarity on what is expected of me, and what people think of my performance in those areas.
Fairer system
Identify my training and development needs on an ongoing basis
Give me an opportunity to give feedback to my managers and the organisation

34. Exercise
Identify what you feel are the responsibilities of the following people, to ensure the effective implementation and use of the PDRs process:
Responsibilities of the Jobholder
Responsibilities of the Manager

35. Individual Roles Jobholder Be positive about PDRs system
Be actively involved in the process
Be assertive but not aggressive
Define your own job clearly
Be clear on what is expected of you in your role
Identify your own development requirements
Review your own progress on an ongoing basis
Show initiative
Be flexible and open to change
Communicate openly with colleagues & managers

36. Manager Be positive about PDRs system
Encourage an open supportive climate – promote two way communication
Be assertive
Work with staff to develop the department/team work plan
Clearly communicate the team objectives
Complete and agree performance and development plans with individuals
Prepare an overall training and development plan for the section
Monitor progress, coach and support their staff
Maintain up to date documentation/records supporting the process
Involve team in agreeing Division/Department plans
Negotiate time and budget for development of staff.

37. The System Probation Process – New Employees
Performance and Development Review System – Planning Process
Meet with Line Manager/Supervisor to discuss and agree on individual objectives – initial planning meeting.
Feedback & Coaching
This is a two way communication process. This should happen informally on an ongoing basis.
Annual Review
Meet with Line Manager/Supervisor to review Achievements and challenges and mutually agree objectives of the year ahead.
Probation Process – New Employees

38. PLANNING & PREPARATION
The form
Reflect on the last 12 months
Reflect on the next 12 months

39. The Form 3 Sections Personal Details: Individual Objectives –
Key areas of your job (what you must focus on)
Objectives - SMART
By When – deadlines – within a day of receipt of application etc.
Progress/Achievement – at end of year – review stage

40. Individual Objectives
Key areas of your job –
What are the key responsibilities of your job
Key performance areas (Column 1)
Objectives (Column 2) – What you need to accomplish to deliver on your key performance area.
(Column 3) By When – Deadlines e.g. process student applications – by when – in 1 day of receipt of application.
(Column 4) Progress – How the objectives has or has not been met. Comments. Utilise form during progress meetings during the year.

41. Individual Development Objectives
Development Action (s)
By When
Progress/Achievement

42. What needs to be in place before embarking on the Planning Phase:
A Faculty/Division Plan which has been translated into Section Plans
A commitment to the PDRs process by the management team and staff
An environment of participative consultative management
A thorough understanding of the PDRs process by all staff and management

43. Why Set Goals To deliver organisation performance
To stretch and challenge individuals
To link an individual's performance to the achievement of higher goals.
To promote a means for measuring progress
To focus behaviours
To motivate and develop the individual

44. ACTION PLANS Must be owned by reviewee: Setting objectives
Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time
Identify action strategies
Assess action strategies
Reviewee formulate plans with support
Reviewee implement plans with support

45. Purpose of the Planning Phase
Set Objectives for the job for the year
Establish competencies required to achieve results and training and development required to address needs identified

46. Agreeing Objectives Elements involved: Establish objectives of the job
Identify key performance areas of the job
Decide on key objectives in the key performance areas for the year
Establish factors that will influence achievement of agreed objectives (enablers)
Identify and agree competencies required
Identify gaps in required competencies
Agree a personal development plan

47. The PDRs Planning

48. Key Elements
Not about measuring the level of activity that you are undertaking in your role/section/college/division.
It about outcome of activities - what those outcomes mean in terms of accomplishments, and how they move the organisation nearer achieving its stated strategic outcomes.

49. Goals Statement of general direction or intent
Broad, timeless and unconcerned with particular achievement within a specific time
Are aspirations.

50. Performance Measures
A performance measure is a gauge which tells you –
The degree to which a goal/objective has been achieved or
When a standard has been met, exceeded or missed.
Remember if a goal/objective cannot be measured, attainment can never be known. What gets measured gets done!

51. Exercise
What an effective PDRs Meeting should look like?

52. An effective PDRs Meeting
Good body language
2 way communication
Honest & Truthful
Private meeting place – adequate time & space
Both parties prepared
Neutral venue
Structured
Clarity no vagueness
Conflict – dealt with honestly, openly & constructively
Be prepared to take and give feedback.

53. What an effective PDRs meeting should look like
Have an agenda
Set ground rules
Draft documents circulated in advance
Shouldn’t be negative
Shouldn’t be personalised
Focused – keep to the point
Sincere – both sides
Willing to engage

54. Exercise Attitudes required by the
Manager
Job Holder
to ensure an effective review meeting.

55. Attitudes required for an effective review meeting
The Manager
Honesty
Listening
Questioning
Constructive Feedback
Problem Solving
Negotiating
Suggesting
Assertiveness
Acknowledging

56. Attitudes required for an effective review meeting
The Job Holder
Honesty
Listening
Staying open
Constructive Feedback
Looking for opportunities to learn
Avoiding defensiveness
Developing
Assertiveness

57. An effective PDRs Meeting
For the PDRs meeting to be effective both people must come to the meeting prepared.
Prepared means:
Clarity on department’s goals are, and how they relate to your job.
Team objectives clear and agreed in advance. This will help you focus on your role and how your role contributes to the team’s objectives.

58. An effective PDRs Meeting
Consider specific objectives that you would be seeking to achieve in your job to contribute to the department meeting those goals, and what you may need from your manager to enable you to meet these objectives.

59. Role of the Line Manager
To assess performance against agreed targets
To identify potential for improvement both in individual’s job performance and service delivery
To give open and honest feedback
Proper performance feedback will assist the communication process and reinforcement of standards to staff

60. OPENINGS 60

61. Openings
A bad opening can make it very difficult to have a useful discussion
How you say things can be just as important as what you say.

62. OPENINGS 62

63. Openings
An Opening is more likely to lead to a useful discussion if it
Displays respect.
Empathy.
Establishes rapport.
Builds trust.
Sets the tone.
Outlines the purpose and structure.

64. What will make the PDRs Work
The most important aspect of the PDRs process is:
Time allocated to formal 1-1 annually to:
review how work is going
whether the accomplishments required by the job are being met, and
to acknowledge good work that is being done.
Timing of meetings – must be a mutually agreeable time.

65. On-going review meetings
1 formal meeting but it is vital that managers and jobholders meet informally throughout the year to discuss progress toward agreed objectives, both work objectives and development objectives.
Agree frequency of on-going meetings and when & where they will happen. be.

66. ACTION PLANNING
Action Planning is the process that the PDRS discussion builds to. The quality of the Action Plan will depend in large measure on the quality of the discussion 66

67. Objectives Stated using: Action verbs such as : To reduce To increase
To demonstrate

68. Targets- Measures
Specific statements that describe results to be achieved
Quantifiable and/or observable achievements that can be measures.
Should be differentiated from activities or strategies employed to obtain them.
Are measured expectations.

69. Indicators/Measures
Once you know what you are required to achieve, you need to decide on what evidence/proof would be acceptable to show that you are delivering what is required.
Outline your key targets/objectives
Decide on the indicators that will be used to show that targets are met.

70. Measure
Measures are the products or services (the results) of employee and work unit activities and are generally described using nouns. The examples of outputs
files that are orderly and complete
a software program that works
accurate guidance to customers
a report that is complete and accurate

71. Are these goals or objectives:
To improve the quality of customer service
By April 2007, 90% or more of the management staff will demonstrate understanding of the PDRs
To promote more co-operative attitudes among the staff in the Department
To reduce waste paper in the print shop by 5% over the next 3 months.

72. Outcomes
Outcomes are the final results of an organisation’s products and services (and other outside factors that may affect performance). Examples of outcomes could include:
increased number of students signed up on particular courses
Increased availability of research resources available for student use during term time.
Reduction in the level of absenteeism in a particular area

73. Exercise Pg 39 & 40
Using the information gathered in the previous step, write 1 objective that you need to accomplish in your role setting out the:
Strategic Goal it links to
the Department Goal
the measurable outcome and
the target date to be completed.

74. Writing Individual Goals/Objectives & Measures
Linked to the Organisations/Departments Objectives
Challenging but realistic
Prioritised
Measurable.

75. Section 2 – Individual Development Objectives
1. Development Objective – reflect on the level of competence of the job holder in relation to the key competencies of the role – identify any gaps – Competency Framework.
2. Development Actions (pg )
3. By When
4. Progress Achievement

76. Checklist Job Holder Set time aside in advance of the review meeting.
Complete a self review and draft form setting out progress made on targets
Where satisfactory progress has not been made, honestly review the reasons for lack of progress.
Review whether you have displayed the competencies required for the job.
Identify what you want to achieve professionally and personally for the next 12 months.

77. Academic Role Profiles

78. The Competency Framework
A common definition is that competencies are:
Clusters of behaviours, skills and knowledge which are needed to undertake a job effectively.
Competencies are a signal from the organisation to the individual of the expected important areas and levels of performance.
They provide the individual with a map or indication of the behaviours that will be valued
Provides a transparent process where differences between grades are transparent.

79. How the Framework works:
12 Behavioural Competencies have been identified
Each Competency is divided into 5 levels.
Each of these levels reflects a job family/constituency i.e. Level 5 reflects the level of competence required for people at SAO1 whereas Level 1 reflects the level of competence required for people at Administrator level.

80. Common Learning Strategies
On the job Training
Examining precedents
Lunchtime presentations
Press cuttings
Website
Library
One to one coaching
Additional Assignments/ Project work
Rotational Assignments
Shadowing another performer
Further study.

81. Three important things to remember
It is not a sign of weakness to ask for feedback – means you are eager to learn
Ask for feedback from people with who you find it easy to communicate and whose views you value.
Use your interpersonal skills to gain as much useful information as you from those giving feedback.

82. RECEIVING FEEDBACK Be open: to learning and change;
If unclear, ask for explanations & examples;
Summarise briefly to check understanding;
Check validity with personal assessment;
Check with other sources if needed;
Be assertive, not defensive or aggressive.

83. Checklist for preparing for the Planning Meeting (Job Holder/Reviewee)
Be clear on the Division/Faculty objectives
Be clear on own objectives to be achieved this year
Identify the competencies required for your job
Identify your own areas of strength and areas for development in relation to competencies.

84. Checklist for preparing for the Planning Meeting (Job Holder/Reviewee)
Think about how these developments can be met e.g. special projects, assignments, delegation of work etc.
Look at any obstacles that might exist
Prepare a draft form and give it to your manager in advance.

85. During the Planning Meeting (Job Holder/Reviewee)
Be prepared
Be open to feedback
Use active listening skills
State your views in a positive, assertive manner but not aggressively
Be clear about the opportunities you wish to get from the process

86. After the Meeting
If unhappy with the process be proactive in addressing it.
Book development plans items into your diary and book agreed formal training programmes.
Review your objectives and develop plans as to how you will go about attaining these objectives
Follow through on any commitment given during the planning meeting.

87. What happens the information.
Review Forms held jointly by the job holder & Manager.
Summary reports produced by Managers on key themes arising for each Department – forwarded to LD&EO Section
Development needs will inform the Corporate Training & Development Agenda.

88. Phase 2
Review Meeting – consider if objectives have been achieved – key competencies been developed & displayed; Development issues been addressed.
Complete draft form in advance of the meeting updating your progress on last years objectives.
Review progress on development issues
Review if the system is working as it is meant to
Give and receive feedback.
Agree targets and development needs for the coming year.

89. Impact of a successful PDRS system
Link between
individual,
Team, College/Division
objectives and overall
University
goals
Managing performance
on a day-to-day basis
Promotes a culture of
continuous improvement
Increased level of
accountability
Working to a
common aim
Improved motivation by
Improving role clarity

90. Remember
You are entitled to this time for a 1-1 meeting with your manager
You are entitled to expect open and honest feedback
Your meeting should be conducted in a professional and appropriate manner
Issues – refer to Dean/HOD or HR.
Information http: - Learning Development & Equal Opportunities

91. Any Questions
Thank You