Read the following four scenarios.Then, for each scenario, write a short essay d
ID: 423662 • Letter: R
Question
Read the following four scenarios.Then, for each scenario, write a short essay discussing how Tom should manage the performance review interview process with that particular employee.
Introduction: Performance Review Interviews Tom is the department manager of a retail store. He supervises four employees, and it’s time for their performance reviews. He has written the documents and scheduled appointments to sit down to talk with each employee. As it gets closer to interview time, all of them are thinking about their performance and what they can expect in their interviews. Let’s listen in to what each is thinking.
1. Tom and Maria Maria: Oh, this is so exciting! This is my first job, and I’ve never had a performance review before. I’m a little nervous, but I’m sure Tom just loves my work! I know I was late a few times, and I’ve had a little problem with the cash register, but I’m really trying. I’m just not used to getting up every day and getting to work on time, and I didn’t know you had to be so detailed—it’s just retail, after all! But whatever. I’m really friendly with everyone, and I’m having a good time. I wonder if Tom will let me off a little early on Friday. I know Fridays are busy, but I have big plans for the weekend. I’ll ask him—I’m sure he’ll understand. Tom: I’m just not sure things are working out as I had hoped with Maria. She can’t seem to get to work on time—she was late three days last week and two days the week before. When I talked to her about it, she got here on time the next day, but then she disappeared into the ladies’ room to put on her make-up. That’s not being on time! And what about the mistakes she makes ringing up a sale? It’s not just the prices that are wrong but the quantities and the item codes, too—now our inventory is messed up and accounting is on my back. And besides all that, she spends more time visiting with other employees than she does working. I just don’t think she’s taking this seriously.
2. Tom and David David: September again and another annual performance appraisal. I don’t know why we bother. We go through the process every year, set some worthless goals, but nothing ever happens one way or the other. They tell me I’m doing a great job, and then I get a measly 2½ percent raise. Big deal! Oh well, I’m just putting in my time until something better comes along. Tom: David does a good enough job, but he doesn’t show much spark. He just seems to be going through the motions around here. But with the economy getting tighter, everyone perks up with a little more income. I think a raise in pay is just the motivator he needs. It’s 2½ percent this year. ?
3. Tom and Jason Jason: Sometimes, I come to work tired in the mornings after going to school at night, but Tom’s really helped me by scheduling my shift so I can attend classes. Another six months, and I’ll have my bachelor’s degree. I’ve been working really hard, got a wife and three kids to support, and I want to carve out a long-term career. I like this company; some say there’s no opportunity in retail, but I don’t agree. I think we’ll always need good managers, and that’s where I want to be. I hope there are opportunities in this company, but if not, I guess, after I graduate I’ll be looking around. Tom: Jason’s a good man. In spite of a heavy class load, he always pulls his weight and does a good job. I know when he graduates, he’s hoping for a promotion, and I’m not sure if that will be available. I’ve got to come up with something to keep him on the team. He’s exactly the employee we want for the long haul.
4. Tom and Wally Wally: I really like working here. After I retired from the plant a few years back, I found out retirement is pretty boring. Now, I get up early again, grab a cup of coffee and come to work raring to go. Not bad for an old guy! It really helped taking that computer class at the senior center. Sure, I’m not a young techie, but I can hold my own, and I think Tom is pleased with my work. I’d like to keep working and stay here for a long time to come. Tom: I don’t know what I’m going to do with Wally. He’s been here a couple of years now—management hired him when they thought it would be good PR to hire older workers. I don’t know how old he is and I can’t ask him, but I’d guess he’s at least 140! He’s so slow, and he thinks he has computer skills, but that’s a laugh. He can’t enter anything on the cash register without making mistakes. Maybe a computer class would help, but is it really worthwhile to train older workers? You know what they say about old dogs learning new tricks. I just don’t think it’s a good idea—he’ll probably quit soon anyway.
Explanation / Answer
1.
It is obvious that Maria will make an excuse for coming late to the office. The fact that it is a retail business cannot be a ground for Maria to come late. Also the excuse of being fresher and having first such interaction between the managers ‘Tom’ and ‘Maria’ will not hold in corporation. Maria’s habit of coming late to office and being less serious about it is a major factor for her performance review by Tom.
Tom shall manage the interview by understanding the Maria concern or issue of late coming. He should also try to understand whether Maria in future will be able to bring change in herself. He shall be friendly while at the same time be trying to assess the Maria Performance based on not what she can promise but how she has already performed.
2.
David as he is thinking about the he being not rewarded rightfully even after getting good remarks in these performance review interviews. Tom as he is thinking about economy and David with settling him with 2 ½ percent raise given that his performance is good but he does not have spark.
Tom shall let David know about the true rational behind his only 2 ½ raise only and makes him understand that there is more needed from his side to do. He shall put good questions to David and ask about his work at company. Also, he shall motivate David to do more.
3.
Jason is the right kind of employee for the company. He thinks it is best for himself to be promoted and sees his growth into company. If he cannot be given what he desires of promotion, he is ready to look for another job after graduation.
Tom appreciated the fact that Jason despite having so many responsibilities does his job in the hard working dedicated manner. He shall put question to Jason carefully during interview process to understand Jason. And he shall also try best to make sure Jason stays in the company. The main thing Tom shall be doing is that creating hope with Jason as to making him sure that he will surely get promoted but at the right time and not when he thinks he will graduate. Patients has a reward and this should be explained to him.
4.
Wally is an old man who thinks he is capable of doing the right work at company however Tom does not hold the same positive view about Wally. The business requires young people or person who can do their task with least errors.
Tom may not give him good ratings as Wally does a lot of mistake and given that he is older makes it tough for training him. He shall be let known that its time he shall look for another way as the business is not getting benefitted from. However, an opportunity shall be given to him for training and doing a good job. He may not receive any raise but the company can retain him for now.
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