The Shift That Changes Performance Reviews

Performance evaluation is a crucial component of talent management in any organization. For many years, employees have been evaluated based on their output, which is typically measured in terms of productivity, efficiency, or revenue. In other words, the focus has been on what employees are able to do, which is directly correlated to their knowledge, experience and skills.

However, with the rise of AI technology, there is a growing possibility that in the future, the focus will shift from what employees do, to how well they can explain AI what they want to achieve. This means that instead of being evaluated solely based on their output, employees will be evaluated on the quality of their input.

The idea is that AI will take care of routine and repetitive tasks, leaving employees with more time to focus on high-value activities that require creative and strategic thinking. This will allow organizations to leverage the strengths of both AI and human workers, resulting in better overall performance and productivity.

To make this shift successful, there are several key factors that need to be considered. 

First and foremost, AI technology needs to be capable of handling a wide range of routine tasks and producing high-quality output. This requires ongoing investment in AI research and development, as well as robust testing and validation processes to ensure that AI systems are reliable and effective.
Secondly, AI needs to be seamlessly integrated into the organization's workflow and processes. This means that employees need to be trained on how to use AI systems effectively, and there needs to be clear communication and collaboration between human workers and AI systems to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
Finally, robust data privacy and security measures need to be in place to protect sensitive employee and company data. This requires strong cybersecurity protocols, data encryption, and regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Having said that, on the employee side there are also key areas of focus:

Organizations need to ensure that employees have the skills and expertise to perform high-value tasks that require creative and strategic thinking. This means investing in training and development programs to help employees develop these skills.
Employees need to be motivated and engaged in their work. This requires creating a positive work culture that supports and recognizes employee contributions, providing opportunities for growth and advancement, and fostering a sense of purpose and meaning in the work that employees do.
Employees need to be open to working with AI systems and adapting to new ways of working. This requires ongoing communication and education to help employees understand the benefits of AI, and to address any concerns or fears that they may have about the impact of AI on their jobs and the workplace.

Here are four steps companies can take to prepare their employees:

1. AI Training: Companies need to provide employees with basic AI training so they understand how the technology works and what it can do. This includes understanding how AI algorithms work, the data it uses, and the types of tasks it can automate.

2. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Employees must develop strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They need to be able to analyze data, identify patterns, and make strategic decisions.
Communication and Collaboration: With AI handling routine tasks, employees need to focus on high-value tasks that require creativity and strategic thinking. Effective communication and collaboration skills will be crucial to ensure seamless integration with AI.
Continuous Learning: The pace of technological change is rapid, and employees need to be able to adapt and learn continuously. Companies should encourage and support employees to take online courses, attend industry events and conferences, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in AI.

In conclusion, the rise of AI is bringing about a new concept of performance evaluation, where the quality of input is what truly counts. The shift from being evaluated solely based on output to evaluating the quality of input marks a significant change in the way companies manage their workforce. This shift opens up new possibilities for employees to focus on high-value tasks that require creativity and strategic thinking while leaving the routine and repetitive tasks to AI.