“Armstrong and Baron (2005) define performance management as a process which contributes to the effective management of individuals and teams in order to achieve high levels of organisational performance. As such, it establishes shared understanding about what is to be achieved and an approach to lending and developing people which will ensure it is achieved.” (Foot & Hook, pg. 239, 2008)
It is important that manager try to get the best out of their employees, this should result in higher levels of involvement and motivation and increased productivity. Therefore making it very important in achieve the organisational goals.
All establishments’ measure performance, this includes our university. The university measures my performance through assignments and exams throughout the year, these assignments and exams are marked and we are given a percentage that shows us the grade for the assignment. The table below shows what percentage is needed to achieve what grade.
Percentage | Grade |
70+ % | First |
60-69% | 2:1 |
50-59% | 2:2 |
40-49% | 2:3 |
Below 40% | Fail |
By measuring our performance throughout the year we can see what work needs to be done to improve and if achieving we know to continue working hard, and you will achieve high grades, it makes you feel motivated and successful if you reach the highest grade.
Lecturers take a huge part in measuring our success, as they are the people that set our exams and assignments, and mark them. Following this they then give us feedback on our performance on where we need to improve and develop for next time to make sure we continue to perform. Although our personal tutors have less involvement in this process itself, it is important to note that the personal tutor is there if we have any queries regarding our work or any problems inside or outside of university. From that point of view they are a very supportive figure to guide us through our studies.
In my opinion although lecturers are there to help support and develop us for the future, the small amount of time we spend with them a week makes it difficult to get the most out of them, as a lot of time is spent working alone and at home. Increased communication between lecturers and students may help to resolve this problem for the future.
One way of helping individuals to learn and develop is through mentoring. Mullins (2008) describes mentoring as a supportive and challenging relationship in which the mentor offers advice, guidance and support. The mentor is typically an expert in an area or a leader within an organisation.
After reading an article on mentoring on the Times online website, the key skills I think you need to be an effective mentor are communication, listening, honesty, knowledge and experience. It is important that as a mentor you can communicate with the person you are guiding and make sure they can learn as much as possible from your knowledge and experience. Your knowledge and experience is going to be very valuable to them as they can use it to learn how to tackle their own problems, and overcome different situations. As a mentor you must be honest and open to ensure that the other individual can trust you and work with you to improve them and sometimes improve yourself as a mentor by having a trusting working relationship with each other. A mentor must be sympathetic and encouraging to get the solution out of the person they are mentoring rather than telling them what to do, (Times Online).
In conclusion after reading the article it is clear how effective mentoring can be in helping others solve their own problems and become more effective and hard working. It was also interesting to read how people with different skills and backgrounds can complement each other so well and they can learn valuable new things as a result.
When I started working for Barclays in October 2009, one of my colleagues became not only a friend but a mentor to me. He guided me through my time at Barclays, even when I was working in different branches. He was always there to offer advice and help solve any work problems I may have had. He then helped me apply for university and encouraged me to do what was best for me. He has affected my life dramatically as I am now a more confident and hardworking person, that is much happier than before because of the advice and encouragement he gave me through my time at Barclays and whilst applying for a place at University. Without him as a mentor I do not think I would be at University today, so I am very thankful for his knowledge, time and honesty over the past year and a half.
In conclusion it is clear to see how mentors can help individuals improve and develop for the future, and be encouraged to achieve. Measuring performance is important in any organisation to ensure employees work to the best of their ability and perform, furthermore how communication between management and employees can increase motivation and help an organisation meet their goals and objectives. Staff are the most valuable asset to any company and they must be looked after and encouraged to achieve their best at all times, for the good of the company and the individual.
Foot, M & Hook, C. (2008) Introducing human resource management. 5th ed. Essex: Pearson education limited.
Time Online [online] Available from: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/entrepreneur/article3778514.ece [Accessed 6/5/2011]
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