Manage Without Fear

Here are tips from government supervisors on managing without fear of EEO complaints:

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date position descriptions.
• Set forth clear job standards so that employees understand what they need to do to get top ratings in their appraisals.
• Don't allow performance problems to continue unchecked; document problems when they occur.
• Be aware that outside forces (family or health problems) may be contributing to employees' poor performance; be flexible and keep the lines of communication open.
• Tell employees what they're doing correctly as well as what needs to be changed.
• Do both mid-year and annual performance appraisals and keep them on file for employee reference.
• During appraisals, help employees create career goals by asking them where they see themselves in one year or five years.
• Work to establish an office culture in which top managers support supervisors' efforts to discipline poor performers.
• Be open to the possibility that employees may not be in the job that best suits their abilities; be aware of the need to rotate employees into different jobs.