Staff FAQ

Performance Partnership FAQs

Here are some likely questions you may have throughout the Performance Partnership process. Please feel free to contact Human Resources with any additional questions via e-mail at performance@syr.edu or by calling the Service Center at 315.443.4042.

Staff FAQs

Preparing for the meeting

  1. What do I need to have ready when I meet with my supervisor?
    The meeting with center on the Performance Partnership Form which you and your supervisor should have spent time completing prior to your meeting. You should also plan to bring any additional documentation you have supporting the information you provided on your portion of the Performance Partnership Form.
  2. How long should I expect the formal Performance Partnership meeting to last?
    Meeting times will vary from staff member to staff member depending on the nature of the review and how frequently you are/were in communication prior to the formal review. Supervisors are advised to allow a minimum of one hour for a review meeting that allows for meaningful discussion.
  3. If I worked on a project for another department leader, should he/she be invited to the performance meeting?
    The formal review meeting should be exclusively between the supervisor and the staff member. However, input from other leaders, especially on key projects/goals, should be incorporated into your portion of the Performance Partnership Form.

During the meeting

  1. What if I don’t agree with the information documented on the Performance Partnership Form?
    The formal meeting with your supervisor is the right and best place for open discussion about any discrepancies you see between your performance and the documentation. The Performance Partnership Form should be jointly finalized as a result of the meeting. Should your point of view still differ from your supervisor’s after the meeting, you may note that in the summary comments on the Performance Partnership Form.
  2. Can I refuse to sign the Performance Partnership Form?
    The Performance Partnership Form is an important formal document that allows for the supervisor and staff member to be on the same page for personal performance expectations in the coming year. Your signature indicates that you have read it and participated in the discussions, but does not necessarily imply your agreement, so signing is acceptable.

After the meeting

  1. There are several goals on my final Performance Partnership Form that require immediate work. How can I prioritize them? 
    Goals developed in the Performance Partnership process should be SMART goals – which means they include specific details that can guide deadline and work prioritization. If you need to refine your goals to make them SMART, do so quickly and with your supervisor’s approval. The Performance Partnership meeting should not be the only discussion you have about goals and performance. Open and ongoing conversation with your supervisor, using the form as a guide can help you prioritize and stay on track with the goals you set. Additional resources: