Performance Management

All postdocs participate in the annual GW Performance Management process. Individual postdocs will work with their faculty mentors to align their professional goals with one or more of six core competencies outlined by the National Postdoc Association:

1. Discipline-specific conceptual knowledge
2. Research skill development
3. Communication skills
4. Professionalism
5. Leadership and management skills
6. Responsible conduct of research

Performance management is a continuous process. Postdocs should communicate openly and often with their faculty mentors to discuss performance and progress throughout the year. Postdocs are encouraged to touch base with their faculty mentor to clarify expectations, get feedback on their progress, and seek mentoring on development.

Each year, postdocs will have at least two formal check-ins with their faculty mentor to document progress and get input:

1. A midpoint check-in to discuss progress and get feedback
2. A final check-in that includes a performance rating for the year

Check-in discussions encourage ongoing communication between a postdoc and their faculty mentor about performance and development and provide a way to clarify expectations. They also give a faculty mentor an opportunity to provide coaching and recognize a postdoc’s contributions.

Find out more about the annual GW Performance Management process and login to Talent@GW to create and update goals.