I have read many of the posts regarding employee ranking. I have
expereinced a variety of feelings - anger, frustration, confusion,
interest, and disinterest. Certainly, this is a thread with emotional
energy and strong beliefs.
My two cents worth. I was thinking of the people I work with and how
ranking us would work. My natural desire to rank myself at or near the
top. Does that mean I am the best? The best at what? If we want someone
to create a survey, John would be best. If we want someone to work with a
school or department to design program evaluation; or provide advice on
our next computer purchase, then mariann ranks at the top. If we need
some highlevel statistics and analysis, then Tom is the one.
Our relationships need attention, or we need some fun; then it is
secretary Lynne to the rescue. When we need someone to go the extra-mile
to make sure our clients are satisfied, then our other secretary Preshia
is the best choice. When we need someone to observe interactions in a
meeting so we can figure out what is going on, then our boss Don is the
one. You need a plan developed or a dialogue developed in a group, then I
am the choice.
Do we need to rank employees? Well, we need to know their strengths and
weaknesses. We strategically place them in the work setting so they can
do their best, therefore we all do our best. We need to know who is not
the right person for a job or task.
Do we gain by ranking folks and using that ranking for feedback. Maybe a
little at most. My guess is we lose. My guess is that growth comes more
from feedback, in the context of a reflective dialogue than from numerical
rankings.
Thanks for reading ---
David Wilkinson
School Improvement Specialist
Des Moines Public Schools (IA)
Davidwilk@aol.com
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