Steve WrightHuman Resources & Employment Law Expert

No.1 Provider of Non-Execs to UK SMEs

Introducing change to a resistant organisation via an innovative approach to appraisals in order to foster employee engagement.

Case Study

Steve Wright:

An Accountancy firm was looking to update their established paper-based appraisal system. I located an system that could linked with the competency framework I had recently designed and implemented. The difference here is that the whole process is driven by individuals, not managers.

Client:

Steve more than met our rather vague notions of what an appraisal system could look like – or achieve. By each person being accountable for their own objectives, reviews and development needs, it has empowered individuals to take control; the results speak for themselves – people actually enjoy their appraisal meetings (!) and are treated as adults. As everyone has focused on relevant objectives (to them and the Firm), we have seen a significant improvement against targets.

Innovation in appraisal systems to foster engagement and introduce change

Main challenges:The computer based ‘self-managed’ system was so completely different from the manager-led paper based system that at first it was met with scepticism from staff and managers. The few early adopters led the positive feedback loop.

Overcoming the challenges:I introduced the concept and benefits to Directors and Senior Managers over time, during the design phase, and introduced the new scheme to employees via a series of open workshops and training sessions, answering questions directly and offering 1-2-1 support as required.

What value was your role to them:In addition to my experience of introducing change to organisations and having designed and implemented a number of traditional appraisal systems, I was well aware of the typical pitfalls.

Innovation in appraisal systems to foster engagement and introduce change

Steve Wright

Steve is a highly qualified, experienced and commercially minded HR and legal professional, equally at home in the Boardroom or the Employment Tribunal. He has extensive knowledge of and practical skills in UK Employment Law, Human Resource Management, Training & Development and Organisational Development.

He has worked across public and private sectors, with an emphasis on pharmaceuticals, professional services, high street retail, high technology and transport, with Home Office & UK Border Agency experience. Recent experience includes supporting a range of businesses with reorganisations, mergers, expansions and redundancies. An experienced Human Resources professional, consultant and coach, Steve has worked with the boards and senior teams of both listed and unlisted companies to improve organisational capability and HR processes.

In addition to his work within HR, Steve is a skilled Training & Development facilitator and executive coach. He has an MSc in Human Resources and an LLM in Employment Law, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CFIPD).

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