The Conundrum of Performance Evaluations
Based on a ton of research, many companies are doing away with their annual performance review process, replacing it with regular, compassionate, goal-focused check-ins with employees.* Employers have found that once-a-year evaluations can be demotivating and shift the focus from intrinsic motivations to extrinsic ones in unintended ways. These appraisals also say more about the person doing the review than the person being reviewed…and are often so subjective as to feel disconnected from reality. The church can take a page from this new shifts in practice both with staff as well as those who are serving in other capacities.
Whether paid or unpaid, people deeply desire that their work has meaning and purpose. Connecting with their passion and calling is far more motivating than compensation. Paying people buys their availability. Inspiring them gains their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment. And, the church—the Body of Christ Himself—has the ultimate inspiration!
People also like being seen, recognized for their achievements, and helped to learn new things along the way. Waiting until an annual moment to do these things is the least effective way of staying connected to your team and encouraging them to be and do their best in the day-to-day.
What if churches adopted the habit of seeing everyone as a growing disciple of Jesus—and based regular check-ins on the specifics of the ministry description as well as the personal growth of each person? This would mean, first of all, creating clear and visionary job/ministry descriptions for everyone—staff, leadership, congregation members. (Also see Being Clear: Yes, You Need Job-Ministry Descriptions—for EVERYONE!)
People in leadership/supervisory/shepherding positions would not only invite/interview/select based on these descriptions, but they would also be so familiar with these expectations that each interaction with a chosen individual would include exhortation specific to that role. Exhortation has a meaning beyond simple encouragement—it involves everything from urging, persisting, admonishing, and warning, to lifting up. The prerequisite for exhortation is LOVE. Our view is the whole person. Our hope is greater spiritual health and connection to Christ and His people. And, our desire is that everyone be engaged in effective, winsome, Spirit-filled ministry to others—with the goal of glorifying God and strengthening the church.
Reflect:
How does this view of everyone a disciple and every leader a shepherd shift how you think about your role at your church?
What is one thing you might do differently even this week to gain clarity on your role?
What is one thing you might do differently this week to help another gain clarity on their role and flourish in that ministry area?
*(See Work Rules, Noise for examples.)
To help your people discover their spiritual gifts:
Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
· As You Invite.)
· Job or a Ministry Description
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been Equipping Ministries Director at her church since 1999.
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© Photo by Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.