Human Resources & Personnel Management, Vocational 

Progressive training programmes not only equip managers with basic skills and competencies, but deploy innovative, wide-ranging learning strategies to ensure continuous development. Specifically designed as flexible support material, "Training Extras" provides a simple framework to structure learning. This comprehensive series covers all the crucial skill areas for the first-time manager or supervisor, providing: the key issues in an easy-to-read style; diagrams, models and charts for clarity and quick reference; helpful starting points to build confidence and encourage "hands-on" practice; practical advice and tips based on real-life management issues and examples. The series equips all those responsible for training with a set of useful tools designed to provide maximum flexibility, yet to be fully compatible with other learning resources. The booklets offer reference updates for busy practitioners, as well as study material up to NVQ Level 4, and should become core components on self-development and open-learning programmes. For trainees on formal training courses, the series should function equally effectively as pre-course background reading, as course notes or post-course follow-up material for continuing development. This book shows how to make appaisal a productive and motivating experience for all levels of performer, and help the appraiser's credibility in the process. Practical advice is given be being fair and accurate, using feedback to improve performance, handling difficult appraisees, agreeing worthwhile objectives and avoiding common problems. Practical advice is given on: assessing performance fairly and accurately; using feedback, including constructive criticism and targeted praise, to improve performance; handing "difficult" appraisees; encouraging and supporting reluctant appraisees; setting and gaining commitment to worthwhile objectives; avoiding common appraiser problems from inadvertent bias to "appraisal speak"; and identifying ways to develop appraisees so they add value to the organization. The books should be useful as course notes to supplement and reinforce training programmes. Line managers should also find them an easy source of reference. Terry Gillen is the author of "Positive Influencing Skills". - from Amzon