For this month’s Point of View column, we asked florists across Canada: How do you conduct performance reviews with your staff? Do you give them feedback on their working habits? Why or why not? How do you critique your employees – both positively or negatively)? Here’s what your fellow florists had to say:
When I feel a staff member has done something extraordinary, I tell them immediately how much I appreciate it. At the same time if something is not done properly, I politely but firmly bring this to their attention immediately so that they know what was wrong and can improve on that immediately.
We do have informal meetings once in a while when we discuss different issues and at this time I do bring up some points that need to be taken care of in a very direct but comforting way. I sort of reiterate what is required to make the whole floral experience a pleasant one for the customer as well as us and then bring up an example and how we could improve on it.
I strongly believe that if you do not critique, you will end up having something done in the wrong way again and again. It is better to critique right away but without malice or disrespect.
– Pratima Gohill of Ivy Leaf Designs, North York, Ont.
The performance reviews on my employees are done on a “need to” basis. Their capabilities are evaluated when I see they are not doing the quality of work that is expected of them. To conduct this assessment I would take the opportunity to meet with my staff informally, one on one, to find out if they are having any specific problems or difficulties that I can help them with. If so, I would then institute a change if necessary. I would also take that opportunity to again reinforce what my expectations are of them as an employee.
As much as possible I give constructive feedback to my employees on their working habits. If there is a basis for improvement, I express that with them in a positive, non-threatening manner to encourage confidence in any changes they may need to make. I feel this instills a sense of ownership as well as productivity.
I critique my staff by evaluating them as individuals. They each have different strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing this I can assess them better in a more detailed and analytical way. I try to do this in a positive manner staying away from negativity. Being negative accomplishes nothing but distrust and unhappy staff.
– Lori Karanfilis of Created by Design, Lillooet, B.C.
We do our first formal evaluation for our employees at the six month period to let them know what they excel at, what requires focus/improvement, and, establish goals to advance their contribution. This evaluation is broken into components involving everything from customer service, professionalism, initiative, adherence to policy, dress code and observance of hours of operation. Area for improvement or focus is not viewed negatively, but rather it remains our way to reinforce what our standards are and the importance to maintaining that standard consistently. This has proven successful for us to keep our employees in the loop and keep what they are doing right, high on the radar screen. Ongoing feedback and praise is important and vital to employee growth, contribution and buy in. We feel it is important to invite them to join us (at our cost) to floral shows in our area showcasing trends, color, and technique to equip them with the information necessary to go to the next level within our business module.
– Kim Barritt of Salmon Arm Florist, Salmon Arm, B.C.
My staff is small and it is very important that all work well together. Otherwise it could make for a long day. I explain to staff that if I critique their arrangement it is the arrangement I am talking about, not the person. “Do not take it personal.” I keep open lines of communication and ask often how they are doing or feeling in regards to the store. I explain to them that I have been in the trade a long time and worked with a lot of wonderful people and have had the opportunity to grow in many directions. I respect their feelings and ideas, but the deal is if you do something be it a display or design if someone has another idea, then hear it out and we all might learn something new.
I never, never never, give a poor comment in front of anyone and I tell them positive or negative news in a manner that I would like to receive it. I never give positive news with a “but” attached – it just deletes the positive.
– Carol Duffley of Crabapple Cottage Florals & Gifts,
Timberlea, N.S.
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