SAMPLE PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

SAMPLE PERFORMANCE COMMENTS

The following samples were generated by supervisors during
Performance Planning & Review training at Southeastern
Louisiana University. Feel free to use these samples to gain
inspiration in developing expectations for your own employees. Some
of these expectations are designed to be job specific, others are
more general in nature. Be sure to tailor these samples to meet the
needs of the specific job positions that you supervise.

Good Luck!

Adaptability

Communication

Cooperativeness

Daily Decision Making/Problem Solving

Dependability

Performance Planning and Review

Project Planning and Implementation

Service to Clients/Public

Use of Equipment and Materials

Work Group Management

Work Product

WORK PRODUCT – The quality and quantity of work produced
by the employee.

1. You will be expected to draft and proof written
   correspondence, such that few errors are evident and few
   corrections are needed.
2. You will be expected to work toward professional
   certification in your field/discipline.
3. You will be expected to participate in 40 hours of job
   related professional development classes offered by the Human
   Resource Office.
4. When working with chemical products, you will be expected to
   always make safety the highest priority and read the instructions
   on the label for proper usage.
5. You will be expected to perform work in a professional manner
   and complete assignments on time.
6. You will be expected to accept job assignments willingly and
   perform them in a satisfactory manner.
7. You are expected to familiarize yourself with the office
   procedures, rules and regulations and to be able to answer
   routine questions regarding the same.
8. You will be expected to keep organized, neat, and accurate
   records.
9. You will be expected to proofread all written or typed
   materials for errors and keep all publications for the office
   updated as needed.
10. You will be expected to use your experience and training to
    complete your assignments in a satisfactory manner.
11. You will be expected to pay attention to detail when
    completing assignments.
12. You will be expected to keep up with current changes in laws
    related to your position.
13. You will be expected to type most documents with no typos or
    formatting errors.
14. You will be expected to check spelling on all documents
    before sending them out.
15. You will be expected to complete tasks as assigned.
16. You will be expected to work at a rate that is similar to
    teammates so teamwork goes smoothly.
17. You will be expected to develop an organized filing system
    that enables others to access necessary files in case of your
    absence.
18. You will be expected to prepare and process purchase
    requisitions and receiving reports timely.
19. You will be expected to establish, organize, and maintain all
    departmental files.
20. You will be expected to keep current balances of all budget
    accounts.
21. You will be expected to maintain a to do list to help you
    stay on top of dead lines.
22. You will be expected to observe time reporting rules and
    regulations.
23. You will be expected to refrain from making unauthorized
    solicitations while on duty or on University premises.
24. You will be expected to meet production standards for your
    position. (Be sure to list benchmarks related to the
    position).
25. You will be expected to ensure that routine office procedures
    (i.e. folders pulled, calendars created and distributed, folders
    filed, mail delivered and picked up, supplies kept current,
    student workers supervised) are completed on a daily basis.
26. You will be expected to observe University policies.
27. You will be expected to account for all state funds and
    property which is assigned to you.

DEPENDABILITY – Being where he/she should be doing what
he/she is supposed to do.

1. You will be expected to complete all work assignments by
   their deadlines except under unusual circumstances.
2. You will be expected to spend a little extra time preparing
   for the job and then to perform the assigned task
   satisfactorily.
3. You will be expected to notify your supervisor [or the
   timekeeper] if you cannot come in to work in accordance with
   departmental leave policy.
4. You will be expected to keep accurate records necessary for
   expense reports, such as mileage, meals, and lodging.
5. You will be expected to report to work at 7:45 a.m. and
   observe scheduled work and meal breaks.
6. You will be expected to attend scheduled meetings and arrive
   for these meetings on time.
7. You will be expected to call the Director if you must be late
   or absent according to departmental leave policy.
8. You will be expected to not leave your office without making
   sure your phone is covered.
9. You will be expected to reduce tardiness and report to work
   on time.
10. You will be expected to be at your duty station and perform
    your duties at all times except during official breaks.
11. You must not leave your assigned work area without
    permission.
12. You will be expected to use sick leave only for your own
    personal illness.
13. You will be expected to have your employee I.D./time card
    when you report to work.
14. You will be expected to report for duty wearing your assigned
    uniform.
15. You must refrain from loafing, roaming, loitering, or leaving
    your workstation without proper notification.
16. You will be expected to refrain from conducting personal
    business on University time.
17. You will be expected to make sure your office/building is
    secure when you leave for the day.
18. You will be expected to: Arrive at work at 7:45 a.m. and
    depart at 4:30p.m. Take a 45-minute lunch break from 11:45 a.m.
    to 12:30 p.m. And take one fifteen-minute work break in the
    morning and one fifteen-minute work break in the afternoon.
19. You will be expected to notify the Director or Assistant
    Director when leaving your work station during regular work hours
    as well as sign in and out on the checkout board.
20. You will be expected to request leave in advance at times
    that do not hinder office operation.
21. You will be expected to perform office security procedures
    before leaving at the end of the day.
22. You will be expected to reduce your absenteeism rate. *

(* Note: Absenteeism related to a serious illness could be
protected by FMLA or ADA. Consult your HR Office).

COOPERATIVENESS – Working with people.

1. You will be expected to be more friendly while performing
   your daily tasks.
2. You will be expected to refrain from gossiping with other
   employees.
3. You will be expected to assist other areas of the
   office/department when your work has been completed.
4. You will be expected to accept the tasks you are assigned
   without complaining.
5. You will be expected to observe the University smoking
   policy. Smoke only in approved areas and put your cigarette butts
   in ash trays/garbage. Do not throw them on the ground.
6. You will be expected to work as a team member.
7. You will be expected to contribute to the work group’s
   overall productivity as appropriate, helping coworkers when
   possible.
8. You will be expected to show respect for others at all
   times.
9. You will be expected to share your ideas with other
   employees.
10. You will be expected to be courteous to fellow employees,
    students, and faculty.
11. You will be expected to maintain a friendly, helpful,
    supportive and team-like atmosphere among coworkers.
12. You will be expected to refrain from interfering with
    coworker’s productivity while at work.
13. You will be expected to refrain from “casually visiting” with
    others while at work and to discourage others from “casually
    visiting” with you while at work. This reduces productivity.
14. You will be expected to register your vehicle for parking on
    University property.
15. You will be expected to follow instructions without
    complaining or arguing.
16. You will be expected to demonstrate respect for coworkers and
    supervisors (i.e., is not abrupt or rude, does not engage in
    workplace gossip or conflict, is not demeaning of others,
    etc.).

ADAPTABILITY – Adjusting to change.

1. You will be expected to look for ways to streamline office
   procedures without jeopardizing the accuracy of the overall
   procedure.
2. You will be expected to work well with the public.
3. You will be expected to look for ways to improve your own job
   and the jobs of your subordinates.
4. You will be expected to work without complaining or
   hesitating when trying new methods or procedures.
5. You will be expected to adapt work habits to new or
   unexpected circumstances. Notify and lead others as appropriate
   when circumstances change suddenly.
6. You will be expected to accept and be responsive to
   constructive criticism without taking it personally.
7. You will be expected to attend technology and computer
   workshops to improve computer literacy.
8. You will be expected to be open to changes in office policy
   or personal goals.
9. You will be expected to willingly accept the new performance
   appraisal system.
10. You will be expected to be sure your actions are consistent
    with agency goals.
11. You will be expected to present suggestions for changes in
    policy/procedures in writing to the director.
12. You will be expected to accept and implement decisions
    regarding changes in policy/procedure without complaining or
    arguing.
13. You will be expected to willingly accept input from others
    regarding ideas for improvement.

COMMUNICATION – Giving and receiving
information.

1. You will be expected to answer the phone using the standard
   greeting, “Southeastern,[Department name],[Employee Name], How
   may I help you?”
2. You will be expected to answer the phone courteously within 3
   rings.
3. You will be expected to take accurate and detailed phone
   messages.
4. You will be expected to communicate clearly when speaking or
   writing.
5. You will be expected to keep your supervisor informed of
   problems as they develop.
6. You will be expected to listen carefully and ask questions
   when needed to clarify requests.
7. You will be expected to use appropriate communication tools
   for the situation.
8. You will be expected to answer the telephone with a ‘smile in
   your voice,’ with energy, and a spirit of helpfulness.
9. You will be expected to improve communication of office
   policies to all staff.
10. You will be expected to open, sort and prioritize mail into
    three categories: urgent, routine, and junk mail.
11. You will be expected to speak to people clearly and with an
    appropriate tone of voice, and listen to what they have to say to
    you.
12. You will be expected to avoid overreacting when calm
    communication with another person can solve a problem.
13. You will be expected to listen carefully to clients and
    coworkers. Do not ignore them.
14. You will be expected to choose your words carefully, speak
    clearly and respectfully to clients so they can understand you
    the first time you say something.
15. You will be expected to check voice mail regularly and return
    all messages the same day as received, if possible.
16. You will be expected to report all accidents or
    incidents.
17. You will be expected to maintain confidentiality of
    University, student or employee information.
18. You will be expected to use University bulletin boards for
    official communications only.
19. You will be expected to provide staff with messages, both
    verbal and written, in a clear and timely fashion.
20. You will be expected to listen to and allow communicator to
    complete delivery of message prior to responding or asking
    questions.

DAILY DECISION MAKING/ PROBLEM SOLVING -Thinking on the
job.

1. You will be expected to resolve daily problems
   independently.
2. You will be expected to refer all questions you cannot answer
   to the appropriate person.
3. When bringing a problem to your supervisor’s attention, be
   prepared to recommend a possible solution.
4. You will be expected to work independently to solve problems
   or seek needed information.
5. You will be expected to gather all facts before resolving a
   problem, even if you have to call the parties involved back.
6. You will be expected to make decisions only after getting
   input from the people who will be affected and weighing all the
   different issues.
7. You will be expected to think more openly about new
   possibilities. Try new ways of doing things using new
   technology.
8. You will be expected to use good judgment in making decisions
   regarding routine operating procedures (i.e. assessing crisis
   situations, scheduling/rescheduling of appointments, handling
   late arrivals, handling phone messages, etc.).
9. You will be expected to consult with your supervisor
   regarding situations outside the scope of your authority.
10. You will be expected to recognize problems which need to be
    addressed and present them in writing to the Director (i.e.
    problems with procedure, scheduling, etc.).
11. You will be expected to act promptly to resolve or report
    rule violations or threats to workplace safety and security.
12. You will be expected to observe and enforce the Violence in
    the Workplace Policy: zero tolerance for violence of any
    kind.

SERVICE TO CLIENTS/PUBLIC

1. You will be expected to be courteous to the public at all
   times.
2. You will be expected to listen to the clients carefully in
   order to determine their needs.
3. You will be expected to follow-up with clients to make sure
   their needs have been met.
4. You will be expected to maintain confidentiality of all
   conversations, events, etc. that occur in your office.
5. You will be expected to exhibit patience with students and
   faculty in solving their problems.
6. You will be expected to greet people entering your office
   with poise, cheerfulness and a smile.
7. You will be expected to demonstrate service to students,
   faculty, and staff through attitude and written or oral
   communication.
8. You will be expected to train your staff on basic office
   procedures through cross training in order to provide better
   customer service.
9. You will be expected to follow the established departmental
   dress code.
10. You will be expected to follow-up customer complaints when
    needed.
11. You will be expected to follow-up with the person originating
    the work order after it is complete to determine their level of
    satisfaction.
12. If someone has a problem that falls outside of your job, send
    the person to the right place rather than spending excessive
    amounts of time trying to help them yourself.
13. You will be expected to provide well maintained equipment for
    the state employees who use it.
14. You will be expected to demonstrate politeness and respect in
    all interactions with clients/individuals both on the phone and
    in person (i.e., greet clients pleasantly, give accurate
    information, listen carefully to determine the person’s
    needs).
15. You will be expected to demonstrate sensitivity to clients’
    needs for confidentiality (i.e., not unnecessarily asking clients
    for personal information unless absolutely necessary).

USE OF EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

1. You are expected to learn and follow proper use and operation
   of the equipment to which you are assigned.
2. You are expected to replace broken or worn parts promptly and
   always keep an accurate maintenance log.
3. You are expected to perform preventive maintenance on
   individual equipment per manufacturer’s specifications.
4. You will be expected to observe proper safety rules when
   operating machinery or equipment.
5. You will be expected to use the proper equipment or tools for
   completing assigned tasks.
6. You will be expected to use proper equipment and tools for
   heavy lifting tasks.
7. You will be expected to safely use equipment and materials
   for their intended purpose.
8. You will be expected to report any damage to equipment,
   tools, or vehicles according to University policy.
9. You will be expected to use computer, fax machine, and
   photocopy machine as instructed and without abusing the
   equipment.
10. You will be expected to avoid getting food or drink around
    expensive pieces of equipment or machines or dropping small items
    like paper clips into them.
11. You will be expected to use equipment, materials, and
    supplies for official use only.
12. You will be expected to wear proper safety equipment (i.e.
    goggles, masks, etc.).
13. You will be expected to properly use and maintain all
    equipment.
14. You will be expected to receive and provide proper training
    in the use of all equipment.

PROJECT PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION

1. You will be expected to set specific goals and priorities for
   completing assignments.
2. You will be expected to design realistic work methods,
   procedures and time tables for achieving project goals.
3. You will be expected to monitor progress toward achieving
   goals and make modifications if needed.
4. You will be expected to continue to look for ways to
   streamline and automate processing procedures. Develop a
   Procedures Manual that outlines each procedure and the related
   forms to be used. Also, create flow charts for each of these
   procedures.

WORK GROUP MANAGEMENT

1. You will be expected to plan and assign the work of your
   subordinates effectively and fairly.
2. You will be expected to set realistic but challenging
   goals.
3. You will be expected to provide resources, guidance, and
   training for subordinates to do their jobs.
4. You will be expected to recommend corrective action or
   discipline when appropriate.
5. You will be expected to plan and account for the use of
   overtime.
6. You will be expected to train, supervise, and review the work
   of student workers.
7. You will be expected to delegate assignments to subordinates
   when appropriate.
8. You will be expected to cross train subordinates to ensure
   services are provided when someone is absent.
9. You will be expected to conduct monthly safety meetings.
10. You will be expected to treat all subordinates equally.
11. You will be expected to give equal access to training.
12. You will be expected to make sure all employees have some
    challenging work to do.
13. You will be expected to counsel employees when they are
    having difficulty doing their work correctly and to make a note
    of it.
14. You will be expected to maintain a good working relationship
    with your subordinates and to act as a positive role model for
    your employees.
15. You will be expected to do your work in an enthusiastic and
    effective manner.
16. You will be expected to work in a way that inspires
    confidence and trust among your subordinates.
17. You will be expected to counsel employees privately behind
    closed doors.
18. You will be expected to maintain a smooth functioning work
    group committed to customer service.

PERFORMANCE PLANNING AND REVIEW

1. You will be expected to communicate performance expectations
   clearly.
2. You will be expected to conduct thorough and timely
   performance planning sessions with subordinates.
3. You will be expected to document subordinates job performance
   and provide helpful feedback.
4. You will be expected to complete fair performance appraisals
   when they are due.
5. You will be expected to avoid rating biases.
6. You will be expected to discuss all performance planning,
   documentation, and review materials with me as the reviewer
   (Budget Unit Head) prior to the meetings with your
   subordinates.