Dear HPL Team,

As a reminder, the Houston Employee Assessment and Review (HEAR) season is upon us. I want to thank everyone for their efforts and contributions in FY14. We had a successful year!

Looking ahead to FY15 I want to remind all of you that the HEAR Plans we prepare now are critically important to our future success. I want to share with you some reminders about establishing HEAR Plans.

·       HEAR Plans must set clear expectations for employees

·       HEAR Plans must be prepared and discussed with employees for clear understanding

·       HEAR Plans must establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based (SMART)goals and objectives

·       HEAR Plan goals must align with HPL priorities

Most importantly, we need to understand the definitions of our HEAR rating system:

Exceptional (5):  The employee consistently achieves performance objectives above-and-beyond the standard. Their work performance is exemplary and provides major contributions to the work unit. The individual is seen as a role model or expert.

Meets Expectations (4):  The employee consistently exceeds performance expectations. Work performance surpasses standard expectations for others in the job.

Meets Expectations (3):  The employee meets and achieves performance expectations in a satisfactory manner. Overall performance reflects ongoing achievements and improvements.

Below Expectations (2):  The employee does not fully meet performance expectations. They show a need for improvement in training and additional effort.

Needs Improvement (1):  The employee does not meet performance expectations. Overall performance is unacceptable.

**In addition to these definitions I’m asking all managers to provide specific examples related to your area for each of the definitions above, so your team members will have a better understanding of their meaning.

I have asked the ELT member responsible for your areas to ensure all HPL Team members have a clear understanding of the HEAR process, the meanings of ratings 1-5 and expectations for performance.    

Please let me know if you have questions. Thank you for your cooperation and I look forward to another great year!

Sincerely,

Rhea Brown Lawson

Rhea Brown Lawson, PhD, Director
Houston Public Library
500 McKinney| Houston, Texas  77002

832-393-1300