Throughout the year, staff members and their supervisors are mutually accountable for enhancing performance, supported by conversations, feedback and coaching. Staff members are primary owners of their learning, performance and career, while supervisors inspire, guide and help remove the barriers – whether external or internal – that stand in the way of learning, performance and fulfillment.

Explore the resources and related learning tools below.

Resources for Enhancing Performance

Using Check-Ins to Optimize Performance

A robust performance management strategy integrates the use of regular check-ins to support the growth of the staff member. These check-ins provide a structured framework for constructive dialogue between staff members and supervisors, facilitating goal alignment, progress tracking, and skill development.

Utilizing our check in guide as a resource, individuals can proactively address challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and refine their approach to meet evolving objectives. Through this collaborative process, we foster a culture of continuous improvement, where feedback fuels growth and every interaction becomes a catalyst for enhanced performance.

• Performance Check-In Template

Empowering Progress: Utilizing Career Conversations for Growth

While you, as the staff member own the direction of your career development, your supervisors play an important role in how they can support you. At Northwestern, we foster continuous development through two key conversations that happen during the performance year.

•  Career Conversation 1: Setting Goals : Guide discussions to establish clear, actionable goals aligned with organizational objectives and individual aspirations
• Career Conversation 2: Discussing Progress : Assess achievements, address challenges, and recalibrate strategies midway through the performance year

REAL Conversations Throughout the Year

REAL conversations (Reflect, Empathize, Ask questions, Look ahead) help to build trust, increase learning, and focus forward for motivation and engagement.

Use the REAL Conversation planner to help you prepare for monthly/ quarterly check-ins for performance and development.

•  Build your own conversation guide with the REAL conversation planner.
• See more resources for learning and development below. 

Explore All Resources

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