Appraisal Training for Managers

Overview | Appraisal Training Courses

Appraisal training for managers is a course that equips managers with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to conduct performance reviews more effectively by turning them into a motivational and personal development conversation rather than a tick box exercise. The training covers how to set objectives for the appraisal meeting, how to plan and structure the conversation, delivering effective feedback that is motivational and helpful, how to handle difficult talks, conflict and how to handle challenging conversations about pay and performance.

The end goal of running effective appraisals is ultimately in increasing employee performance, better morale and engagement.

This course is ideal for new managers who feel anxious about running their first appraisals, and for experienced managers looking to make their performance conversations more impactful. As a specialist in this field, MTD Training is a provider of appraisal training that builds both the skill and the confidence to handle these important discussions.

It also links closely with management training, helping managers strengthen the wider skills they need to support performance and engagement.

Course Content

Here is an example of an in-house, customised course we can run for you. We can deliver this course exactly as it is below, or we can tweak it to suit your requirements.

Introduction & Objectives

• Understand the importance of appraisals and their purpose.
• Explore the benefits of staff appraisals and what excellence looks like.
• Identify common barriers to effective appraisals and how to overcome them.
• Learn about the different types of performance appraisal.

The Appraisal Process

• Gain a thorough understanding of the appraisal process with key points.
• Clarify the role and responsibilities of the appraiser.
• Review the stages needed for both appraiser and appraisee throughout the process.

Planning & Preparation

• Develop skills to prepare an effective appraisal plan.
• Understand fairness and equality considerations.
• Gather and utilise relevant data and evidence for appraisals.
• Incorporate 360-degree feedback effectively into the process.
• Align appraisal information with organisational development plans.

Running Effective Appraisals

• Learn the structure and essential elements of a successful appraisal meeting.
• Enhance communication and facilitate balanced discussions.
• Master questioning and listening skills for better engagement.
• Provide objective, specific feedback with confidence.
• Apply coaching techniques to support continuous development.
• Handle resistance and manage uncooperative appraisees smoothly.

Managing Performance

• Review and acknowledge good performance appropriately.
• Address poor performance by identifying causes and exploring solutions.
• Set clear, actionable objectives using SMART techniques.
• Define development areas for the appraisee and create tailored development plans.

Key Features

Appraisal Skills Training

Learn the essential techniques and strategies to conduct effective appraisals that motivate and develop your team. Our training is delivered in an engaging format that is easy to understand and implement by experienced trainers.

Embed The Learning

Mastering appraisal skills is one thing, but putting them into practice is another challenge. That’s why our courses include methods to help you embed what you learn into your day-to-day appraisal processes.

Certification

All our solutions are assured by the Institute of Leadership and Management and are CPD certified. This reassures you that the training you will receive is the very best.

What Learners Say

Participants frequently tell us that the appraisal techniques they learn on our courses significantly improve their effectiveness. Please check out our independent Feefo reviews to see for yourself.

On-Going Support

All learners will receive 3 months access to our sister company Skillshub’s eLearning platform. They will also receive email and phone support that they can tap into.

Similar Learners

Our appraisal training courses are ideal for those who have not received formal training or are new to conducting appraisals. Many of our learners share similar backgrounds, helping to create a supportive learning environment.

Appraisal Training FAQs

What Is Appraisal Training?

Appraisal training is a course that gives managers the structure, skills, and confidence to conduct effective performance reviews.

It moves beyond a simple box-ticking exercise. It’s about learning how to have a high-quality conversation that accurately assesses past performance and, more importantly, motivates future growth. The ability to hold these conversations is also a common focus in leadership courses, where managers learn how to balance accountability with encouragement.

The training is designed to help you shift your role from a ‘judge’ delivering a verdict to a ‘coach’ who is co-creating a development plan with your team members. You will learn to use ‘feedforward’ techniques, which focus on future possibilities and solutions, alongside traditional feedback on past events.

As a specialist, MTD Training is a provider of appraisal training for managers that focuses on making these conversations productive and positive for both parties. The aim is to turn the appraisal into the most valuable conversation you have with your team members all year.

What Does The Training Cover?

The training covers the full appraisal cycle, giving you a clear process for what to do before, during, and after the meeting:

• Preparing for a Fair Review: First, you’ll learn how to prepare for a fair and objective review. This includes how to mitigate common unconscious biases, like the tendency to only remember recent events. You’ll learn how to use tools like a Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale to assess specific actions, not just general feelings.
• Leading a Constructive Conversation: The course then focuses on the conversation itself. MTD Training delivers in-person workshops for appraisal training where you get to practice these difficult conversations in a safe, facilitator-led environment. You will learn how to use models like SCARF to deliver difficult feedback in a way that doesn’t trigger a defensive reaction. This is closely linked to coaching skills for managers, since effective appraisals rely on asking insightful questions and guiding employees towards their own solutions, not just passing judgement.
• Setting Goals and Next Steps: Finally, we cover what happens after the meeting. You’ll learn how to set motivational goals that go beyond the basic SMART model, framing them in a way that supports an employee’s need for autonomy and professional growth.

What Are The Key Benefits?

The key benefits of appraisal training are improved team performance, higher employee engagement, and more confident managers.

When appraisals are done well, they clarify expectations and directly address performance gaps. This gives you a direct tool to lift the performance of your entire team. The ability to run effective appraisals is also a major focus in management skills training, since performance conversations are one of the most important tools a manager has.

A great appraisal also strengthens the manager-employee relationship and makes people feel valued and heard, which is critical for engagement and retaining your best talent. A poor one, on the other hand, can be a huge de-motivator. This course provides the skills to make the conversation a positive and constructive one.

Finally, the training removes the anxiety many managers feel about conducting appraisals. By providing a clear structure and proven techniques for handling the most difficult parts of the conversation, it makes you feel prepared and in control.

Who Is This Training For?

This course is built for people in a few different situations:

• For the New Manager: It is for the manager who is new to the role and feels unprepared or anxious about conducting their first formal performance reviews. The training gives you a complete, step-by-step roadmap to follow.
• For the Experienced Leader: It is also for the experienced leader who feels their current appraisals have become a stale, “going-through-the-motions” exercise. The course will give you fresh techniques to make these conversations more meaningful and motivational for both you and your team members.
• For the Organisation: Finally, the training is for the HR professional or business leader who wants to create a consistent and fair approach to performance management across their entire organisation. It helps you make certain that all your managers are working to the same high standard.

Make An Enquiry

Please call us on 0333 320 2883, email us at info@mtdtraining.com or complete our form below with any questions that you may have and we will get back to you.