PERFORMANCE
To some, performance management means collecting performance information. To others it implies a personal appraisal. We define performance management as: "Using actual performance data to define targets and a framework of actions for achieving or exceeding desired outcomes".
Actions may be at individual, team, service, corporate or community level. Performance management will look different in different places and at different levels, but effective organisations share some common characteristics. These are:
- real-time, regular and robust performance data
- can-do culture inspired by strong leadership
- agreed lines of individual accountability
- clear performance management review, combining challenge and support
- transparent set of performance rewards
Where can we help?
- By working closely with our clients, systematically deciding and communicating what needs to be done (aims, objectives, priorities and targets)
- By developing a plan for ensuring that it happens (improvement, action or service plans)
- Through some means of assessing if this has been achieved (performance measures)
- By information reaching the right people at the right time (performance reporting) so decisions are made and actions taken
- By implementing project or programme recovery measures when a turnaround is required
These plans and actions fit within a framework that we summarise as 'plan, do, review, revise'. Through this framework, learning can be harnessed in a continuous cycle of improvement.