Performance Evaluations

Description:

Measures work output and work habits. Employee plans, prioritizes, and executes work while dealing with unanticipated requests. Employee contributes to the achievement of organizational goals and sets the standard for other employees (this skill exhibited by one employee can raise the bar for others and inspire higher levels of accomplishment and performance).

Competency Indicators:

• Takes initiative and produces results and/or services consistent with defined University standards for the position.
• Demonstrates attention to detail; produces work that is accurate, complete and of high quality.
• Prioritizes tasks and implements efficient work procedures to maximize productivity; demonstrates project planning and time management capabilities to complete assignments ahead of schedule.
• Successfully overcomes obstacles and barriers to timely completion of tasks, projects, and/or goals.
• Cooperates with and motivates others to achieve goals and meet deadlines.
• Maintains a safe workplace for self and others.

Description:

Measures how employee actions and behaviors match their verbal commitments. Dependability is essential to the efficient operation of – and good morale in – any department or organization.

Competency Indicators

• Demonstrates reliability, dependability, and accountability in the defined role.
• Is reliable and trustworthy.
• Regularly completes all duties and goals with minimal supervision or assistance.
• Is punctual and meets work attendance and deadline requirements.
• Adapts well to changes in work assignments or goals.
• Accepts accountability for outcomes.

Description:

Does the employee operate in accordance with USC policies and applicable laws and exhibit conduct consistent with USC’s Code of Ethics, see https://policy.usc.edu/ethics?

Competency Indicators:

• Operates per USC policies and applicable laws and exhibits conduct consistent with USC’s Code of Ethics.
• Exhibits ethical behavior and ensures those behaviors are demonstrated by those he/she supervises.
• Is fair, straightforward, and honest and treats others with respect.
• Maintains confidentiality and appropriate data stewardship.
• Reports ethical and/or policy violations as appropriate.
• Supports diversity and creates an inclusive environment of mutual respect and collegiality.
• Holds self, co-workers, and those he/she supervises to the highest standards.
• Rewards and disciplines employees who exhibit and/or fail to exhibit ethical conduct and commitment to USC values.
• Discloses and/or alerts to possible signs of conflicts of interest.

Description:

Measures effectiveness of written, verbal, and non-verbal communication; comprehension; ability to influence others; appropriate language, tone, and structure; ability to elicit and accept feedback; willingness to consider others’ viewpoints and share ideas.

Competency Indicators:

• Is effective in interpersonal interactions as well as communicating both verbally and in writing.
• Shares pertinent information and ideas with others as appropriate.
• Listens carefully and is open to other points of view and accepts constructive feedback.
• Uses appropriate language, tone, style and structure in all communications.
• Fosters and maintains effective work relationships.

Description:

Measures how they apply knowledge of departmental services or products to satisfy the customer’s needs and expectations best; ability and motivation to resolve customer questions and/or complaints efficiently, effectively, and professionally.

Competency Indicators:

• Effectively applies knowledge of departmental service or product to satisfy the customer’s needs and expectations best.
• Resolve customer questions and/or complaints efficiently, effectively, and professionally.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and responsibility to provide service at all levels consistently.
• Is committed to increasing customer satisfaction and confidence.
• Regularly seeks feedback and input from customers.
• Demonstrates consistent customer follow-up.
• Provides service that is responsive, courteous, and respectful.

Description:

Measures critical thinking and analysis, effectiveness of solutions and actions, and ability to achieve appropriate outcomes. Leveraging existing information and resources for effective and actionable problem-solving and decision-making. Working through the elements or details of a problem to reach a logical conclusion is a gauge of critical thinking skills.

Competency Indicators:

• Builds a logical approach to address problems and/or manage the situation by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience, calling on other references and resources as necessary.
• Undertakes complex tasks by breaking them down into manageable parts in a systematic and detailed manner utilizing critical thinking and analysis.
• Thinks of several possible explanations or alternatives for a situation, anticipates potential obstacles, and develops contingency plans to overcome them.
• Identifies the information needed to solve problems effectively and communicate outcomes.
• Presents problem analysis with recommended solutions rather than simply describing the problem.

Description:

Measures ability to foster and support change, take informed risks, and implement successful outcomes that appropriately challenge the status quo. Employee creates new ways to accomplish goals. Thinks “outside the box” in devising new solutions to problems and more productive and efficient methods.

Competency Indicators:

• Thinks and operates creatively; seeks new responsibilities; acts on new opportunities.
• Has a significant impact in creating breakthrough products or services that fulfill an institutional need.
• Generates new and progressive ideas; appropriately challenges the status quo.
• Takes responsibility and informed risks.
• Supports and fosters change; encourages and rewards innovative practices.
• Solves problems creatively and independently.

Description:

Measures collegiality, productive team interaction, contribution to accomplishing group goals, and cooperation with colleagues and/or faculty and students. Getting along with others and working cohesively and harmoniously to accomplish common goals is an essential skill for almost every employee.

Competency Indicators:

• Interfaces and works with internal and external team members in ways that foster optimal team interaction and results.
• Meets team deadlines and responsibilities; keeps stakeholders informed appropriately.
• Listens to and values others’ opinions, promoting a collegial team atmosphere.
• Supports, assists, and empowers team leaders while also leveraging their own expertise to accomplish group goals.
• Contributes to effective team processes and deliverables (e.g., team communication, team meetings, and team exercises).

Description:

Does the employee demonstrate awareness of applicable laws and regulations and adherence to standards and requirements, holds self and others accountable for compliance and cooperate with investigations and audits?

Competency Indicators:

• Maintains awareness of applicable laws and regulations and adheres to requirements.
• Holds self and others accountable for compliance; rewards and disciplines employees who exhibit and/or fail to exhibit appropriate handling of compliance.
• Cooperates with investigations and responds promptly to issues raised by audit services, compliance, HR, and General Counsel. Takes responsibility and accountability for any purposeful or inadvertent violations for self or those he/she supervises.
• Is approachable and open to staff and subordinates in raising concerns and/or issues.

Description:

Effectively influences and directs the work of others, establishes and/or delivers on strategic priorities, maintains a high-performance culture, supports continuous learning and career advancement, and fiscally responsible management of budget/resources.

Competency Indicators:

• Establishes the vision, strategic directions, and high-performance culture within his or her area of responsibility; exhibits the ability to build trust, influence outcomes and inspire others to deliver results that positively impact the institution effectively.
• Manages staff in planning and organizing projects and resources; develops goals and accountabilities; ensures effective execution and delivery of results, defined goals, and objectives.
• Develops self and others; is approachable to subordinates; fosters a culture of mutual respect, continuous learning, and innovation; and focuses on results.
• Makes appropriate adjustments to strategy and organizational direction; establishes high-performance standards; provides coaching, feedback, and corrective action when necessary, with fairness and consistency.
• Effectively allocates resources, manages budgets, and establishes metrics to minimize costs and maximize impact.