Use this checklist to run one review cycle from set-up to close-out without missing a step. It follows the quarterly review and calibration process in the performance management framework, so the timings are the playbook’s own guidance (about 1 to 2 weeks for manager reviews, about a week at most for calibration including leadership review), not an industry benchmark.
Print it. A4, one page. Free with your work email.
1. Set up (before the cycle opens)
- Confirm the review period, the dates for each step and who is in scope.
- Publish the talent bar for each level in scope (start with two job families if new).
- Use the same scorecard statements for every manager in a job family.
- Name who calibrates, who facilitates and who signs off the final grades.
- Decide in advance what grades can lead to: promotion eligibility, development, improvement plan, pay.
The rest of the checklist
The full checklist continues with four more steps: 2. Manager reviews (about 1 to 2 weeks) (4 checks); 3. Calibration (about 1 week at most, with leadership review) (5 checks); 4. Announce and give feedback (4 checks); 5. Close the loop (3 checks). Unlock all of them on this page, plus the one-page A4 PDF, free with your work email.
How to use it
- Copy the steps into your project tracker and add dates and owners for your company size. See the illustrative examples for about 50, 250 and 1,000+ employees.
- Use the performance review template for the scorecard and evidence notes.
- Run the calibration step with the calibration meeting guide and agree your grades against the rating scale.
- Not sure a structured cycle fits? Read when a framework or forced distribution is the wrong approach.
More: People Performance Playbook home · framework · template · blog.