Performance appraisals are one of the most important, continuous responsibilities of a supervisor — and the most dreaded. This book takes you through the entire process of conducting a productive and meaningful performance appraisal — without the usual tension, anxiety, and uncertainty that most managers encounter in this process. Emphasizing the importance of providing employees with positive feedback, the authors break the process down into several steps — with detailed coverage of: -The planning, preparation, and writing of the performance appraisal form -All aspects of the actual face-to-face meeting for the performance evaluation -Legal issues that surround every performance evaluation -Sure ways to protect the interests of the evaluator and the company No stone in the performance appraisal is left unturned and no loophole is left unexplored. This book eliminates the stress and uncertainty of the performance appraisal process, making it the most powerful management tool you can use to create confident, motivated, and productive employees. Sharon Armstrong began her career in Human Resources in 1985 as a Recruiter/Trainer in a large Manhattan law firm. Since launching her own consulting business, Human Resources 911, in 1998, Armstrong has provided training and completed HR projects dealing with performance management design and implementation for a wide variety of clients. Madelyn Appelbaum is a strategic communications professional who has managed wide-ranging initiatives on national and international levels. She has been published in many U.S. newspapers and, early in her career, honed her skills as an investigative journalist. Her editorial and film products have won a number of national awards. Overseeing performance appraisals for several departments, she developed an interactive tool designed to make performance appraisals a two-way process by factoring in employee feedback upfront. Madelyn's communication expertise spans 30 years, during which she has also effectively marketed many of the editorial products she has developed