Module 5: Performance Management
Implement effective performance management systems that drive results and development in remote work environments.
Module Progress0 of 15 tasks completed
Day 1: Goal Setting & OKR Framework
Establish clear, measurable goals using OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) that align individual performance with team objectives.
Train team on OKR methodology
Educate team members on how to write effective OKRs, understand the difference between objectives and key results.
⏱️ 2 hoursOKR training materialsWorkshop format📋 OKR training completion
Define quarterly team objectives
Collaborate with team to set 3-5 ambitious but achievable team objectives for the quarter.
⏱️ 3 hoursGoal-setting workshopsCollaboration tools📋 Quarterly team OKRs
Create individual OKRs with each team member
Work one-on-one with each team member to develop personal OKRs that align with team objectives.
⏱️ 1 hour per person1-on-1 meetingsOKR templates📋 Individual OKR documents
OKR Framework for Remote Teams
Objectives
Qualitative, inspirational descriptions of what you want to achieve
Characteristics:
- • Ambitious but achievable
- • Time-bound (usually quarterly)
- • Memorable and inspiring
- • Aligned with company goals
Examples:
- • Deliver exceptional customer experience
- • Build a world-class remote engineering team
- • Establish market leadership in our niche
- • Create a sustainable and scalable business model
Key Results
Quantitative measures that track progress toward objectives
Characteristics:
- • Specific and measurable
- • Aggressive yet realistic
- • Based on outcomes, not activities
- • 2-5 per objective
Examples:
- • Increase NPS score from 7.2 to 8.5
- • Reduce average response time to under 2 hours
- • Achieve 95% uptime for all critical services
- • Complete hiring of 5 senior engineers
Remote Performance Metrics
Productivity Metrics
Measure output and efficiency of work
Goal Completion Rate
Percentage of OKRs achieved
Target: 70-80%Quarterly
Project Delivery Timeliness
On-time delivery of committed projects
Target: 90%+Monthly
Quality Metrics
Error rates, rework, customer satisfaction
Target: Trend improvementMonthly
Innovation Index
New ideas implemented, process improvements
Target: 2+ per quarterQuarterly
Collaboration Metrics
Measure teamwork and communication effectiveness
Peer Feedback Scores
360-degree feedback ratings
Target: 4+/5Semi-annually
Cross-team Projects
Successful collaboration across teams
Target: 1+ per quarterQuarterly
Knowledge Sharing
Documentation, training, mentoring
Target: Regular contributionMonthly
Meeting Effectiveness
Preparation, participation, follow-through
Target: High ratingsMonthly
Growth Metrics
Measure learning and professional development
Learning Hours
Time invested in skill development
Target: 40+ hours/yearQuarterly
Skill Progression
Advancement in key competencies
Target: Measurable progressSemi-annually
Certification Achievement
Professional certifications obtained
Target: 1+ per yearAnnually
Internal Mobility
Role changes, promotions, new responsibilities
Target: Growth opportunitiesAnnually
Performance Management Tools
Lattice
Comprehensive performance management platform
Core Features:
OKR tracking, Performance reviews, 360 feedback, Goal alignment, Analytics
Remote-Specific:
Video review meetings, Continuous check-ins, Remote team insights
Cost: $11-25/user/month
Best for: Mid to large teams wanting comprehensive performance management
BambooHR
HR platform with performance management features
Core Features:
Performance tracking, Goal setting, Review cycles, Development planning
Remote-Specific:
Remote onboarding, Digital signature, Self-service portal
Cost: $8-12/user/month
Best for: Companies needing full HR suite with performance features
15Five
Continuous performance management through weekly check-ins
Core Features:
Weekly check-ins, OKR tracking, Peer feedback, Manager insights
Remote-Specific:
Pulse surveys, Remote team health, Virtual recognition
Cost: $7-14/user/month
Best for: Teams wanting frequent, lightweight performance conversations
Culture Amp
Employee feedback and engagement platform
Core Features:
360 reviews, Engagement surveys, Development planning, Analytics
Remote-Specific:
Remote work surveys, Inclusion tracking, Virtual team insights
Cost: Custom pricing
Best for: Organizations focused on culture and engagement measurement
Remote Development Strategies
Skill-Based Learning Paths
Create structured learning journeys for specific skills
Implementation Steps:
- • Assess current skill levels across the team
- • Define skill competency frameworks
- • Create learning resources and pathways
- • Set up mentoring and practice opportunities
- • Track progress and provide feedback
Tools: Learning management systems, Skill assessment tools, Online coursesTimeline: 3-6 months per skill
Cross-Functional Projects
Assign team members to projects outside their comfort zone
Implementation Steps:
- • Identify stretch assignment opportunities
- • Match projects to development goals
- • Provide necessary support and resources
- • Regular check-ins and guidance
- • Reflect on learnings and applications
Tools: Project management tools, Collaboration platforms, Coaching sessionsTimeline: 1-3 months per project
Mentoring & Coaching
Pair team members with mentors for personalized development
Implementation Steps:
- • Identify internal and external mentors
- • Match mentors with mentees based on goals
- • Set up regular mentoring sessions
- • Provide mentoring training and resources
- • Track mentoring relationship outcomes
Tools: Mentoring platforms, Scheduling tools, Progress trackingTimeline: 6-12 months per relationship
Conference & Learning Opportunities
Provide access to external learning and networking
Implementation Steps:
- • Budget for learning and development
- • Identify relevant conferences and courses
- • Support attendance and participation
- • Require knowledge sharing upon return
- • Measure impact on performance
Tools: Event management, Learning platforms, Knowledge sharing sessionsTimeline: Ongoing throughout year
Remote Recognition Framework
Peer-to-Peer Recognition
Frequency: Ongoing
Examples:
- • Slack kudos channels
- • Monthly peer nominations
- • Team appreciation posts
Impact: Builds team connection and mutual appreciation
Tools: Bonusly, Slack apps, Custom recognition platforms
Manager Recognition
Frequency: Weekly/Monthly
Examples:
- • One-on-one praise
- • Public team announcements
- • Written feedback
Impact: Reinforces desired behaviors and performance
Tools: Performance platforms, Email, Team meetings
Company-wide Recognition
Frequency: Monthly/Quarterly
Examples:
- • All-hands shoutouts
- • Employee of the month
- • Achievement celebrations
Impact: Creates visibility and inspiration across organization
Tools: All-hands meetings, Company newsletters, Internal communications
Milestone Recognition
Frequency: As achieved
Examples:
- • Work anniversaries
- • Project completions
- • Goal achievements
Impact: Celebrates progress and long-term commitment
Tools: HR systems, Calendar reminders, Celebration events