Even though pay for performance is a hot and sometimes controversial subject these days, it’s not new. Most agencies already have written policies to deal with the process of managing employee performance -- but don't train their managers and supervisors to implement these policies. Instead, you’re left to deal with difficult employee issues and expected to turn them into "opportunities" for employee improvement.

Making Performance Management Work focuses on the "how to" -- giving you the steps you need to take to successfully observe, appraise and improve employees' performance. You find out how to motivate and develop your employees -- and hold them accountable for their work. Plus, you get specific tips on how to:

• Develop solid performance standards
• Use a value scale when identifying job elements
• Choose verbs that are observable, measure knowledge, and gauge skill when writing performance standards
• Respond when an employee lacks the proper skills for the job
• Prepare for and conduct effective performance review sessions
• And more!

Plus, a chapter is devoted to the Department of Defense's National Security Personnel System (NSPS) that gives clear, specific guidance for those of under this new set of rules. This chapter also gives a heads-up for managers outside the DOD who may have to implement a new performance management or pay-for-performance pilot program in the future.