Performance Management At Morningstar Ventures, we have had the unique experience of designing complete performance management tools and supporting processes for large and small organizations, most recent among them, Turner Broadcasting and Charter Communications. Based on our experience, there are several “essential elements” critical for the tool or system to function as a business process that measurably impacts business performance. A “clear line of sight” with regard to goals. Goals that are established, coached and measured for each individual must clearly and logically link to or align with next level goals, with a clear line of the sight to the strategic goals of the business unit and organization. Behaviors defined and measured, reflective of the organization’s values and desired culture. Performance management addresses two things: Performance and Behavior. Performance measures results and behavior refers to how we get the results. Is it OK to get the results and leave casualties? Probably not in stated philosophy, but it appears that way when we look at how some performance management processes are set up.		Nothing is farther from truth than the thought that behaviors are subjective, intangible, and hard to measure. Behaviors can be measured—they’re visible to the naked eye and ear. And, in an effective performance management system, demonstration of those behaviors counts for something—in the rating itself. Accountability for these behaviors can then be used to drive the values and culture of the organization. Behaviors to be measured must be aligned with the desired culture. Insistence on performance coaching. In our experience, no performance management system will succeed without regular, skillful coaching from the direct supervisor. Effective training is one important part of the solution; another is commitment to that process from all levels of leadership, critical follow-up to insure the coaching is being done skillfully, and accountability for the coaching via the process itself—that is, every manager’s performance rating must, in some way, be tied to whether that gets accomplished. Morningstar Ventures' practical experience allows us to create or assist in the creation of effective performance management systems in a fast, no-nonsense way. We have the business consulting expertise to garner leadership participation and support, and the technical expertise to design systems that work. ^ back to top ^