Evaluating Evaluations

Good morning.

The annual employee performance evaluation process is wrapping up. The deadline is the end of this month.

They can feel like a yearly, routine administrative task, but the engagements and feedback they create are worth so much to our organization.

At their best, evaluations are one of the most important tools we have to improve performance, strengthen teams and stay aligned with our mission. For leaders, this is a moment to be clear and honest and to provide helpful feedback to the employee. Through this process, managers get an opportunity to recognize what’s working, address what’s not and set expectations that are fair and consistent.

For employees, it’s an opportunity to reflect, highlight contributions and engage in a real conversation about growth. The best evaluations aren’t one-sided – they’re collaborative. Much of the value of this process is in the employee’s direct engagement with their supervisor.

Though our evaluations are annual, it shouldn’t just be a once-a-year thing. Strong teams build a culture of ongoing feedback and opportunities for improvement to ensure everyone is maximizing their value. Also, consistent constructive and positive communication can vastly improve an employee’s professional fulfillment.

Performance also matters. Our processes are designed to ensure accountability and fairness, particularly when it comes to merit and advancement. This is why we – when we are able – have tied our annual evaluations to merit-based compensation increases. This can give us another chance to recognize excellence.

In the end, the goal is simple – get better.

Better for our patients. Better for our students. Better for each other.

Better for Mississippi.

Because when our people improve, our organization does too.

Thank you for all you do to help us drive on the path toward A Healthier Mississippi.