Managing Performance and Development
Managing Performance and Development
This domain tests whether you can run a fair performance cycle, set usable objectives and develop capability without confusing support with avoidance. The exam looks for evidence-based review, clear standards and lawful process.
Core rules and concepts
- Performance management is a continuous cycle: plan, monitor, review and develop. Appraisal is one event within it, not the whole system.
- Objectives should be SMART and aligned to organisational goals, covering both outcomes and behaviours.
- Feedback works best when specific, timely and behavioural. Situation–behaviour–impact (SBI) keeps the conversation evidence-based.
- Development planning often uses the 70-20-10 principle: most learning is on the job, supported by relationships and formal input.
- Coaching conversations can use GROW - goal, reality, options, will - to build ownership rather than dependence.
- Underperformance must be diagnosed as capability, conduct or motivation. Distinguish them, gather evidence, offer support and reasonable adjustments, and use formal capability or disciplinary procedures only when informal steps fail. ACAS guidance and your policy govern fairness.
- Rating biases include halo and horn effects, recency, central tendency and similarity bias.
Worked example A team member misses three reporting deadlines in two months. A weak response says the person has a poor attitude. A stronger response records the missed dates, explores causes, agrees a SMART objective with weekly checkpoints, provides template training, documents support, and reviews at four weeks. Reasoning: specific evidence, diagnosis and a dated improvement plan are fairer and more defensible than a personality judgement.
Traps that cost marks
- Setting vague objectives such as improve communication.
- Relying on the most recent incident only.
- Treating misconduct as capability, or vice versa.
- Giving feedback without a review date or evidence trail.
- Avoiding formal process when informal support has clearly failed.