Six Traps in the Evaluation Process

Reviewing another person’s performance from an

autobiographical perspective

This occurs when we compare an individual’s performance to how we performed in the same situation rather than to the established standards.

TRAP

ONE

Reviewing another person’s performance from an

autobiographical perspective

This often results in accepting unsatisfactory performance or excusing inappropriate behavior

TRAP

ONE

Tip to avoid Trap One

Assess the learner’s strengths and deficiencies in relation to a set of established goals, objectives and/or competencies.

Being the Target of “Responsibility Ricochet”This occurs when an individual is able to “turn the tables” and shift the responsibility for his/her actions onto others.

TRAP

TWO

Tip to avoid Trap Two

Address the denial and blaming with direct, honest, constructive feedback

Basing Judgment on “Extraneous” factors

This occurs when we do not follow the criteria that has been established and use other factors (she is trying real hard..he has a low self esteem) as the basis for our decisions

Sometimes the individual being evaluated takes this as an opportunity to decide what the criteria should be.

TRAP

THREE

Tip to avoid Trap Three

“Stick to the Established Criteria, Avoid Arbitrary Decisions”

Placing all the Emphasis on One Performance Measure

This occurs when we make an assessment of a complex skill using only one tool (e.g. one rating form), one incident, or one observation.Knowledge, Skills and Professional Behavior are Equally Important Categories in Performance Evaluations.

TRAP

FOUR

Tip to avoid Trap Four

Complex skills require multiple measurements

Introducing the Halo Effect

This occurs when we over-generalize an individual’s performance. This is a tendency to see everything they do in a positive (can do nothing Introducing the Halo Effect wrong) or negative (can do nothing right) light

TRAP

FIVE

Tip to avoid Trap Five

“Focus on the performance, notThe person”

Creating Artificial Barriers or Obstacles

This occurs when we decide to give a group of individuals special treatment, thereby arbitrarily changing the standards or process.

TRAP

SIX

Tip to avoid Trap Six

“Be fair”“Be firm”

“Be positive”

Resources

Resources: George Arana, MD and Franklin Medio PhD Medical University of South Carolina http://www2.edserv.musc.edu/appletree/arana_medio.pdf