Performance review operating system

The question it helps answer

Use the performance review operating system to organise the reasoning behind this question: How should expectations, evidence, self-review, manager assessment, calibration, and follow-through connect? The working view makes expectations, evidence, and self-review visible so discussion can move from general opinion to a specific action or decision.

When to use it

Use the performance review operating system when people working on feedback and performance are using different mental models for expectations, evidence, and self-review, and that difference is changing choices or coordination.

What it is

The performance review operating system is a set of connected concepts for examining one situation from several necessary angles. Its core working elements are expectations, evidence, self-review, and manager review. Those elements belong together because each changes how the others should be interpreted or acted on.

Core elements

Expectations

Capture expectations only at the level needed to answer: How should expectations, evidence, self-review, manager assessment, calibration, and follow-through connect? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the performance review operating system, connect this entry to evidence so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Evidence

Name the evidence, its date and owner, and any limitation that affects how confidently it can be used. Within the performance review operating system, connect this entry to self-review so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Self-review

Set a review rhythm and define the evidence, threshold, or event that should trigger an earlier review. Within the performance review operating system, connect this entry to manager review so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Manager review

Set a review rhythm and define the evidence, threshold, or event that should trigger an earlier review. Within the performance review operating system, connect this entry to calibration so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Calibration

Capture calibration only at the level needed to answer: How should expectations, evidence, self-review, manager assessment, calibration, and follow-through connect? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the performance review operating system, connect this entry to conversation so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Conversation

Capture conversation only at the level needed to answer: How should expectations, evidence, self-review, manager assessment, calibration, and follow-through connect? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the performance review operating system, connect this entry to development so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Development

Describe the capability as observable work, cite evidence of current proficiency, and choose a practical next development action. Within the performance review operating system, connect this entry to audit so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Audit

Capture audit only at the level needed to answer: How should expectations, evidence, self-review, manager assessment, calibration, and follow-through connect? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the performance review operating system, connect this entry to development so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.