Performance Development Program
Overview
The University’s vision to be the leading engaged university by engaging students, research, and communities, is supported by our ability to attract and retain the best people. Effective performance management and career development are essential elements for helping us understand how we can best contribute to the goals of the department, division, and ultimately SFU, and that we are feeling valued and supported in performing our jobs.
A key objective of the Performance Development Program (PDP) is to enable employees and managers to work collaboratively to set performance and career development goals; monitor and discuss progress on a regular basis; receive coaching, mentoring, support, and tools; and meaningful recognition for achieving the goals.
The PDP is a university-wide initiative for Excluded continuing non-academic staff and temporary non-academic staff that have been in a position for greater than one full year prior to the September 1 effective date.
Key attributes of the PDP are:
- Shared ‘partnership’ between employees and managers in creating, reviewing, and achieving goals
- Emphasis is on regular supportive conversations between employees and managers
- Focus on strengths
- Self-assessment and accountability
- Managers as coaches and mentors
- Opportunities for support, recognition, and development
Performance Cycle (September 1st to August 31st)
Employees and managers set key goals for the PDP annual cycle from September 1st to August 31st. On a regular basis, employees check in with their managers for coaching support and to review progress towards their goals. At the mid-year (6 months) and year-end point, employees and managers assess overall progress towards goals and adjust where needed.
o Performance & Development Plan Cycle
o Diagram
Leaders/Managers:
Key action steps (preparing, goal setting, performing, etc.) and timelines for completion are provided to assist you with staying on track with the PDP plans and continuing the cycle of annual renewal.
Preparing for the Final Year End Review is a guide that will assist you with how to prepare for having a meaningful conversation with each of your employees on progress towards their goals (meeting or not meeting), successes, strengths, and any areas for further development.
o Preparing for the Final Year End Review
Steps for Preparing PDP Plans
Employees
a) Take the online PDP training
b) Meeting(s) with your manager to confirm your plan
Managers
1. Prepare your own plan
a. Take the online PDP training
b. Meeting(s) with your manager to confirm your plan
c. Check the HR course schedule for manager course offerings (e.g., Goal Setting, Giving & Receiving Feedback)
2. Support your employees with preparing their plans
a. Determine high level department, faculty, unit, or team goals
b. Employees take the online PDP training
c. Meeting(s) with each employee to confirm their plan
Training
Online PDP training is available on Canvas for all staff (Leaders/Managers and Employees) for:
· Preparing (Step 1)
· Goal setting (Step 2)
· Performing (Step 3)
IMPORTANT: To enroll in the online PDP training through Canvas, click here: https://canvas.sfu.ca/enroll/HEBLY7
When you have completed the online PDP training on Canvas you may also reference the, Manager and Employee Training Guide: SFU Performance Development Program.
Forms
- PDP Part 1 (Plan)
- PDP Part 2 (Mid Year Review)
- PDP Part 3 (End Of Year Review)
- PDP Part 4 (Career Plan)
Tips and Tools
· Supporting Development Goals
Reference Documents
· FAQs
· Manager and Employee Training Guide: SFU Performance Development Program
· University Planning Framework
If you require further assistance, please contact your Strategic Business Partner.