Performance Ratings

Something that I hear constantly in my job is how poorly our company uses performance ratings.

I'm constantly asked if they are under review and if we could replace them with new more contemporary language. I always have to look at them with my 'I understand, but sorry' face and explain that we are stuck with it for now due to our old-school mentality and risk aversion.

Meanwhile if the decision was up to me, we would change them to this!

1. EX - Exceptional - if repeated ratings at this level then an indication that the role is too small for the employee and should move to a larger role.

would change to

HMB - Holy Mackerel Batman! - You are a legend and a star. You are always doing stuff way better than we thought you ever could. Thank you! If you hang around we'll pimp your career crazy style.

2. FE - Frequently Exceeds expectations - This rating indicates the employee is often exceeding expectations. Frequent ratings at this level indicate a potential future move to a larger role.

would change to

SS - Super Star - We are so lucky to have you on the team, you are always doing very well and often surprise us with your amazing performance. We consider you to be a very important contributor to our team, thanks, we couldn't have done it without you.

3. FS - Fully Satisfactory - The individual is mastering all requirements of the current role.

changes to

WAH - What a Hero - You have managed to meet every expectation of you in this role. You've done a great job and your future here looks bright! Keep up the great work!

4. PS - Partially Satisfactory - Indicates employee is only meeting some of the requirements of the role or is too new to be fully up to speed just yet.

changes to

YAT - You're almost there! - You are getting the hang of things around here, which is no easy feat. By this time next year, with a bit of drive and determination, you'll be leaping in the air and clicking your heals together in no time.

5. NS - Not Satisfactory - Performance has not yet met the required standards of performance.

to...

OO - Ot oh... - Wow, something went wrong. Either we're not giving you the support that you need or the job your in may not play to your strengths. Let's have a chat about it...


Performance management exists to engage and focus employees and I think using fun and interesting language contributes massively to the understanding and outcomes of this process.

After all, who wants to be 'fully satisfactory'? It's like saying, "Hi, you are very average. Thank you."

yuck.