Seminal Text on the Subject of Performance Management

The Question asked: Can you recommend seminal texts/ resources on the subject of performance management? Especially relating to strategy formulation, alignment of management and employees with strategy and the 'how to' of performance measurement.

MüTō Answer:

Have you read "The Art of War" by Sun Tsu (Tse). Its an ancient document, but very good at defining what exactly strategy, leadership, and management is. It's metaphor is ancient warfare, specifically in Feudal China. However, its lessons can be applied to modern times with great accuracy.

Another great read is Ken Blanchard's "One Minute Manager".

In both cases, read between the lines, and formulate your own thoughts. Following a cook-book is not a good way to go, emulating someone elses style will only lead to great failure, unless that other person's style also happens to be your own.

Most important, remember that strategy formulation is very different from Alignment of management and employees with strategy (leadership), to the 'how-to' of performance management (basic management.)

All three depend tremendously on accountability. However, one cannot have accountability unless they are motivated, so, a manager's job is to motivate accurately, and adeptly. But without knowing their part in the strategy, this will go no where.

So, a Leader must be able to communicate to his managers, and in turn to their directs, effectively, and efficiently. Without this they will surely fail. There are many texts that dance around these subjects, any one of them is GREAT! So long as you can relate to it. But remember, without being able to communicate, motivate, and hold people accountable...all of those checklists, texts, and resources only work some of the time.

Might as well play lotto.

Thanks for the Question!

Success is not by chance!

Lou G