Recently a friend of mine was conducting performance reviews for her staff. She has 16 direct reports and when finished all received a superlative review. With the completion of her paperwork and interviews she provided the reviews to her manager for sign off. Trouble began. Her manager indicated to her that she would need to revise all 16 reviews because no one could receive a superlative- it would hinder the firm’s bell curve. I am not making this up!

Performance is based on individual observed behavior as it correlates to both goals and organizational standards. Employees are then reviewed based on prior performance to these issues. Therefore individuals are honored for their efforts to conform to these standards. Bell curves kill morale and performance because they not only compare but reward non-performers with performers. Two issues here 1) If individuals cannot meet goals and standards they need to be terminated. Organizations are too busy attempting to make profits. Further when individuals do not perform there is either a management/employee relationship issue or a hiring issue. 2) To get individuals performing at optimum efficiency seek the best practices of the best people and communicate more. Too many reviews are too little too late. Reviews are not confidential year end documents but rather monthly communication vehicles that assist in providing direction for employees.

To determine best practices for employee performance reviews email me for a quick 10 step tip sheet.

©2010.  Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.

Drew Stevens PhD works with organizations to dramatically accelerate revenue. Dr. Drew is the author of six books including Split Second Selling and the soon to be released Ultimate Business Bible. He is also the creator of the Sales Leadership Certificate one of only 14 programs in the United States offering an accredited degree in the profession of selling and has a top ranked podcast called Sales Fitness with Dr. Drew. To gain a free 30 Minute Coaching contact Dr. Drew today get the proper prescription for your success.

The Sales Corner is a leading resource for 100% Free Sales and Marketing and Business information to help you grow online and off! Drew Stevens PhD, President of Stevens Consulting Group and renowned author, consultant and sales expert literally wrote the book on improving sales skills. Dr. Drew is the author of the best seller Split Second Selling and Ultimate Business Bible that have helped thousands of frustrated sales managers, selling professionals and entrepreneurs improve their skills and gain dramatic results. Experienced with helping entrepreneurs and mid sized business, Dr. Drew works with organizations that desire to dramatically accelerate business growth! Drew has been successful in developing a consistent business methodology that increases customer acquisition by 40% while creating selling standards to reduce labor intensity-resulting in record revenues and higher productivity and profitability. Drew Stevens is a passionate, professional, and personable keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator; Drew conducts over 50 presentations per year in over 20 countries. He is also the author of 100 articles on sales, customer service and selling strategy quoted frequently in the media, with periodicals such as Personal Selling Power and Sales and Marketing Management, The New York Times, The New York Daily News, and Chicago Tribune. Dr. Drew can assist your organization with: