5 Tips to Make Rating Systems Work

Rating systems are commonly used in evaluating performance. However, the process is flawed if ratings are the only method used to appraise and manage performance.

Here are 5 tips to make rating systems work:

 1. Supplement the rating system with columns for comments about each rating item. Whether the employee is rated high or low for each item, the manager will need to share his input on what in particular has the employee done well or needs improvement. 

2. Ensure that both the manager and employee understand clearly the meaning of each rating item before doing the rating.  

3. Do the rating together with the employee so that both manager and employee reach a consensus on the final rating. 

4. Rating systems are largely subjective, hence it is important not to rely too much on them to judge performance exactly. They should be supplemented with other performance measurement tools. 

5. Rating systems have to go hand-in-hand with regular feedback on work performance from the manager. Managers should not wait for the yearly performance appraisal to raise problems.