Performance appraisals – sometimes called job performance evaluations or reviews – are a powerful way to develop staff’s potential. These skills are important not just for HR (Human Resources) professionals, but for any manager or supervisor who has responsibilities over other staff.

For appraisals to succeed, however, it’s important that they are conducted in a structured way. In addition, it’s important that skill and diplomacy are used to handle the two main tasks of the appraisal – giving effective feedback and setting goals.

So this is the first in a two-part Business English Podcast series that focuses on structure, skill and diplomacy in performance appraisals. In this podcast, we will deal with giving feedback. In the second, we will handle setting goals.

This episode focuses on giving effective feedback that creates a positive environment and builds trust. These feedback skills are useful not only in performance appraisals, but also in any situation that requires making critical comments to someone about their work.

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Study Notes	Phrases & Practice	BEP 75 ADV – Performance Appraisals 1 – Quiz BEP 75 ADV – Performance Appraisals 1 – Gap-fill BEP 75 ADV – Performance Appraisals 1 – Dialog & Vocabulary BEP 75 ADV – Performance Appraisals 1 – Language 1 BEP 75 ADV – Performance Appraisals 1 – Language 2 BEP 75 ADV – Performance Appraisals 1 – Language 3 BEP 75 ADV – Performance Appraisals 1 – Flashcards

Listening Questions: BEP 75 ADV – Performance Appraisals 1: Giving Feedback

1) How many meetings is Wendy handling per day at the moment?

She is handling 11 meetings per day. The original goal was eight, but she’s already up to 11.

2) What’s the main issue that Derrick wants to give Wendy feedback on?

As Wendy says herself, sometimes she “flies off the handle” a little when the pressure is heavy, that is, she loses her temper.

3) What advice does Derrick give Wendy to help her correct the problem?

Derrick says Wendy should take 10 deep breaths, try to put the situation into perspective, and ask her team leader for help.