Averages Are Made Up Of Differences

"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal."

Aristotle

3rd century BC Greek philosopher

Because it can't be done.

You can treat unequal things and people the same but that doesn't make them equal.

How's your promotion policy?

On Or Off The Person, An Empty Suit Still Is

"Charm strikes the sight, but merit wins the soul."

Alexander Pope

18th century English poet

Whatever gets you in the room.

But once in, you need to perform.

Positive Reinforcement

"Criticism should be a casual conversation."

W. H. Auden

20th century English born poet

One of your responsibilities as a manager is to review the efforts of those who report to you.

Another is to do so in such a way that encourages rather than discourages the person whose work you are reviewing.

Who's Got the Crystal Ball?

"Even a stopped clock is right twice a day."

Unknown

So, everyone can be right at some time but the critical question is, how often are they?

Do you evaluate employee performance based on the frequency they see things in what turns out to be the best possible way?

Managing Versus Complaining

"Complaining is good for you as long as you are not complaining to the person you are complaining about."

Lynn Johnston
Canadian Cartoonist

When as managers we review employees and have something negative to say about their performance, are we complaining?

If so, is Lynn right?