To Partner or Not to Partner

February 22, 2018 by OSYB Staff

In the business world, sometimes when a person becomes a partner, performance evaluations are often no longer discussed nor implemented.  This omission can cause critical problems especially when a partner is under performing in both tangible and intangible ways.

Accounting Today shares a variety of ways that partner evaluations can be done:

• Build an agreed upon criteria that all partners must meet and re-visit the criteria from time to time to ensure equitability and timeliness
• Agree on areas that need development and an evaluation plan that includes a timeline
• Document the goals and discuss opportunities to develop the required skills
• Prior to evaluation date, provide a self-evalulation form based on the previously agreed upon competency and performance goals
• During evaluations, provide an environment that enhances empathetic and productive two-way conversations

When all partners are in agreement with mutually set goals and evaluation plans, an organization can function at its best.  Consistent communication and regular evaluations can make a difference in company performance.  Not all evaluations need to be formal; a regular diet of conversations around what works and how to improve, may even forestall larger concerns.

Read more:   He Said, She Said: What makes a good partner?

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