Here's how you can ensure fair and unbiased performance evaluations as an IT manager.

Setting criteria ensures fair and unbiased performance evaluations by providing clear, objective standards. For example, define specific metrics such as project completion rates, code quality, and incident resolution times, similar to the practices at IBM. Use standardized evaluation forms with these criteria to assess all team members consistently. Incorporate peer reviews and self-assessments to gather diverse perspectives, reducing individual biases. By focusing on measurable outcomes and predefined goals, you create a transparent evaluation process that recognizes true performance, enhances trust, and motivates employees by ensuring they are judged fairly and consistently.

Gathering feedback ensures fair and unbiased performance evaluations by incorporating multiple perspectives. For example, implement 360-degree feedback, where peers, subordinates, and supervisors evaluate an employee, similar to practices at companies like Adobe. This approach reduces individual biases and provides a well-rounded view of performance. Encourage regular feedback sessions and use anonymous surveys to ensure honest input. Review this feedback alongside objective metrics like project completion rates. By combining diverse viewpoints with quantitative data, you create a balanced and comprehensive evaluation, ensuring fairness and motivating employees through constructive, impartial assessments.

These tools are extremely helpful in maintaining a connection between the people involved in the evaluation process throughout the evaluation period. Leveraging these tools in one on one meetings, in both preparation and execution, fortifies alignment and builds trust. Frequent use by BOTH parties can make a fair review and a positive outcome much more likely.

Raters focus on recent events or behaviors, overlooking long-term performance. This can lead to unfair evaluations. Encourage regular check-ins and feedback throughout the year. Consider using a 360-degree feedback process.