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| Performance Management in the State of Vermont |
The State of Vermont uses a continuous performance management system or cycle: 1. performance planning, 2. coaching, and 3. performance review. The State’s performance management system focuses on assessing and addressing behavior, not personal characteristics, to ensure a fair and equitable process for all employees.
1. In the performance planning phase, your supervisor will involve you in establishing expectations and determining your performance goals. The planning phase lays the foundation for your work and forms the basis of your annual evaluation. The planning phase also offers you the opportunity to discuss your strengths and find ways to utilize them in your current position. Your supervisor may also ask you about training you would like to take in the coming year as well as your short and long-term career goals.
2. The coaching phase emphasizes open communication and regular and ongoing feedback. During this phase your supervisor keeps you informed about your performance and gives you the opportunity to improve, if necessary. One of the goals of the coaching phase is to ensure that there are no surprises in the performance review. Some departments have initiated an Individual Development Plan (IDP) process to enhance an employee’s performance in the current position and facilitate career growth and development. If your department uses IDPs, you will, most likely, have the opportunity to develop one in this phase, although it may be introduced in phase one or three.
3. Performance review, also known as performance evaluation or appraisal occurs annually, within forty-five days after your anniversary date of completing original probation. Your supervisor completes an evaluation form and forwards it to the next higher levels in the administrative chain, including your Commissioner. Once it has been signed, your supervisor will schedule a meeting to discuss the review and your self-evaluation, if you have prepared one.
As a new employee, your first performance review will occur after the first six months of State employment. Performance that is less than satisfactory could result in termination or extension of probation up to an additional six months at the option of your supervisor. If you have any concerns about your performance, it is extremely important that you consult with your supervisor early on to determine how you can improve and ensure that you pass probation. Once you have passed probation, you will have greater access to growth and development opportunities.
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