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Performance Appraisal Training (PAT)
Our Performance Appraisal Training Workshops are designed to eliminate “appraisal reluctance” within your organisation. This engaging program offers a practical, confidence-building approach to performance conversations — helping both managers and employees benefit from meaningful, structured feedback.
If given the choice between a root canal and conducting performance appraisals, many managers would flinch at the latter. So why are appraisals so uncomfortable for some? Through our training, we address the four key stumbling blocks that make performance appraisal discussions difficult:
- Lack of preparation
- Lack of confidence
- Lack of skill
- Lack of perceived value — often seen as too much effort for too little return
In-House Performance Appraisal Training Designed for Australian Workplaces
Forget dreaded annual reviews that feel more like ticking boxes than driving improvement. This in-house performance appraisal training course helps your team embrace performance management as an ongoing, growth-oriented process.
Participants engage in real-world roleplays and collaborative exercises that foster accountability, improve communication, and promote consistent performance feedback. This practical workshop gives your managers the tools to:
- Set clear expectations
- Deliver timely, constructive feedback
- Use communication skills effectively during appraisal discussions
- Support development planning and goal-setting
- Align individual performance with organisational outcomes
Whether you’re in the private or public sector, this training complements other leadership or people management training programs, ensuring your managers are confident and capable.
Practical Tools to Build Confidence
Confidence is key. We provide conversation starter templates and frameworks so even the most reluctant appraiser can step into performance conversations with clarity and ease. Our facilitators also focus on tone, empathy, and navigating tough conversations — which are critical aspects covered in our crucial conversations training.
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Key Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of your tailored Performance Appraisal Training workshop, participants will be able to:
PAT1:
- Plan and structure the performance appraisal
- Conduct a meaningful performance appraisal
- Anticipate struggle points beforehand
- Give positive feedback and ask open questions
- Feel comfortable having difficult discussions
- Paraphrase to check for understanding
- Request and encourage feedback from staff members
- Accurately evaluate performance
- Lead the performance appraisal conversation
- Submit clearer reports
PAT2:
- Plan beforehand what you would like to achieve
- Actively engage with their manager in the performance appraisal process
- Ask for performance feedback and discuss development opportunities
- Provide feedback for their manager
- Demonstrate improvements
- Actively listen without forming judgement
- Reframe any negative feedback as a growth opportunity
- Accurately evaluate their own performance
- Create a positive approach to performance appraisals
- Leave the appraisal on a positive note
Course Description
WHAT IS PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS TRAINING (PAT)?
In Part One (PAT1) the management group will be trained in conducting best practice appraisals in the morning session. In Part Two (PAT2), general staff will learn the best practice in participating, asking questions and maximising the performance appraisal in the afternoon. It’s a win/win course. Both parties win by conducting and participating in performance appraisals that not only fulfil and meet the organisation’s expectations but provide the participants with the skills for making performance appraisals more relevant. Instead of dreading performance appraisals, they will simply be seen as part of the ongoing relationship between managers and their staff and an easy system to carry out regularly. Both parties will be able to connect the performance appraisal to the bigger picture. By completing the appraisals more diligently (instead of randomly filling in boxes) staff and managers will have the opportunity for meaningful and realistic performance discussions.WHY ARE PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS SO DIFFICULT?
Here are a few comments we’ve heard recently on the receiving end:
“We caught up on the footy results and talked about the draft pick.”
“I said to my manager that I had a few questions. She replied, there wasn’t enough time for questions.”
“I walked in the door, my manager handed me my appraisal and I left. It took about 20 seconds, which was a bit slower than last year.”
“We randomly ticked off some boxes for performance development and bid each other goodbye.”
“I have had mine done today!”
Here are a few comments on the delivery side:
“Every year, HR gives us these forms to fill in and expects us to know what to do.”
“We spend oodles of time changing the appraisal forms and zero time completing them.”
“What’s the point? We fill in their questions, and the silence till the next year is deafening.”
“It’s a 15-page form. Why can’t we just talk — it would be far more beneficial.”
“Both parties win by conducting and participating in performance appraisals that not only fulfil and meet the organisation’s expectations but provide the participants with the skills for making performance appraisals more relevant.”
Performance Appraisals Training In-House Program Details
This program can be conducted as in-house training at your offices.
Group Size: An ideal group size is 6 – 10 participants.
Venue: For your convenience, you can choose to conduct this program at your offices. Alternatively, we can provide a training venue at a small additional cost.
Duration: Each course can be tailored to your timeframe. We recommend a half-day course for each group.
Cost: Upon request.
If you would like more information on this training program, please contact us at 1300 323 752 or Email: [email protected]
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Australia-wide training courses and workshops
At Preferred Training Networks, we provide both in-person and online training programs for a wide range of organisations across Australia. Our Performance Appraisal Training (PAT) is run by experienced, qualified experts and tailored to the needs of your business and your employees. Our leadership and management education courses are designed to help your team thrive and develop valuable skills that can transform your workplace.
With programs available in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and other areas of Australia, we’re able to help businesses across the country create lasting behavioural change and provide them with the tools they need to reach new heights. If you think your business would benefit from Performance Appraisal Training (PAT) and the help of our professional coaching network, take the first step and contact our team today. Wherever you are in Australia, our coaching program can either come to your organisation or we organise a venue for your convenience. Find out what our training, workshops and skills courses can do for your business and reap the benefits for years to come.
Get your free online quote right now or give us a call on 1300 323 752 to find out more about Preferred Training Networks and discuss your requirements with us.
Testimonials Across Australia
Don’t take our word for it
Fantastic, first ever we’ve run, and I’m impressed at how well the uptake and relevance was.
M. Bolliger
Managing Director Bollinger Shipping Agency
We organised a series of “Workplace Resilience” courses In Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Canberra. The feedback was excellent from all states. It was refreshing to find a national training company that can deliver consistent high-quality programs. Preferred Training Networks were also very flexible and professional – excellent.
R Birch
Projects and Policy, Family Court and Federal Circuit Court ACT
Short, sharp and to the point. Ideal length of time.
C. Haintz
QMS Media
Tom was a really engaging presenter, really enjoyable and useful session.
A. Weekes
Sports Integrity Australia
David is an excellent training facilitator. He took the time to adapt examples that we could really relate to. He is an EXCELLENT listener! And he is really good at picking apart what individuals say (in a good way) and applying the training to situations we bring forward. As someone who rarely feels comfortable speaking up in a situation like this, his approach was very much appreciated.
M Habjan
Council for the Arts
Lots of fun, made it easy to learn.
J. Shelberg
Bright Brewery
Very engaging trainer!! Rosie was a great facilitator especially in the virtual space. The content was easy to follow and prompted a lot of engagement and collaboration within the group.
J Penfold
Albury City Council
The training was well run as an informative discussion instead of a “lecture”. This better engages the trainees.
T Huthhison
Western Parkland City Authority NSW
Trish was wonderful – very insghtful and engaging.
R Bibby
Swan Hill Rural City Council
On behalf of the management of WesTrac, I would like to thank you and your team for the valuable assistance given to us in determining the content and facilitating the cultural integration sessions that took place as a result of a new business acquisition. We have had a lot of positive feedback from both the management of WesTrac and the newly acquired employees
R Futter
Business Development, WesTrac
Preferred Training Network developed a coaching training package that really met our needs and they made the contextualizing process so easy. Their customer service before and after was excellent and their trainer was refreshing and innovative and really knew his stuff. A pleasure to do business with.
A Martin
Manager, SA Ambulance Service
We always enjoy the creativity and new ideas your people have. And your level of service is so professional.
J Rogers
Learning and Development, Dept of Transport
Preferred Training Networks do two critical things really well. They provide high quality, focused, results-oriented training activities, and they back these up with fantastic customer service. Their professionalism and efficiency makes them a pleasure to deal with.
D Hartman
Learning & Development Manager, BNP Paribas
The training was fantastic, We were really happy with the training delivery and the trainer was brilliant. Thank you very much for your assistance.
K Potter
Senior Human Resources Advisor Town of Port Hedland WA
Preferred Training Networks has delivered a number of very successful training courses here at Penrith. Their courses always have a local government context which is very beneficial. The feedback has always been very positive
J McConnell
Organisation L and D coordinator Penrith City Council
Facilitation was excellent and the training was tailored specifically to our needs. We were looking for Customer Service training with a difference and the 3-step approach was really great – the mystery customer component in particular. Recommend this training to organisations who want to investigate and improve the customer’s experience.
C Lane
HR Co-Ordinator, Bathurst Regional Council
He did a marvellous job facilitating this course. Can’t speak highly enough about his style. Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly complimentary.
A McKenzie
Director of Corporate and Financial Services, Balonne Shire Council Qld
When I have an internal customer with a Professional Development need, I always have Preferred Training networks top of mind. I know I can ask you to look after the internal customer and I know the outcome will be a success. You’ve helped me design internal courses and sometimes you’ve delivered courses too. An exceptional service.
M Godber
L&D Manager, Australian Red Cross
I’ve been working with Preferred Training Networks for many years, over a few different companies and recommend them highly. They consistently provide outstanding service in their client relationships, their products and their delivery of training, always accommodating the needs and requirements presented to them.
A Sebastian
OD Consultant, Scentre Group
After talking to a number of different providers to help develop our Graduate Program Preferred Training Network absolutely stood out from the competition. We were looking for a series of two-hour long modules designed specifically for us and Preferred have done a brilliant job of delivering that. Their proposals hit the mark every time and we will absolutely be looking to use them again in the future.
K Austin
Programs Consultant, Pitcher Partners
Preferred Training Networks conducted detailed planning sessions to understand the business and culture which allowed for specific tailoring of the training course. This led to well facilitated training sessions that engaged participants and had a positive impact on the change process
P Rigbye
Group HR Manager, Hastings Deering
We organised a series of “Workplace Resilience” courses In Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Canberra. The feedback was excellent from all states. It was refreshing to find a national training company that can deliver consistent high quality programs. Preferred Training Networks were also very flexible and professional – excellent
R Birch Projects and Policy Officer
Family Court and Federal Circuit Court ACT
The training was well received, useful and relevant and the trainer was fantastic
K Jones
Principal West Ryde Public School
Looks like you hit the mark again, I love that you guys are available to do this sort of thing
L Cox
Administration OLHC School
Preferred Training Networks has worked very closely with our organisation to provide relevant and targeted training for our diverse workforce in a variety of areas. Not only do the trainers deliver engaging and interactive sessions, the communication and follow-up are always exceptional.
K Aldridge
Learning and Development Advisor, Brimbank City Council
Buying in training is often like buying clothes on line. They often don’t fit or suit you. You are left feeling disappointed. I can honestly say that this has never been the case with PT. Each time we require their assistance they are able to customise sessions to meet our exact needs. Their facilitators link with us to ensure learning and development for the organisation does not end with the training day. Together we can then achieve maximum return on investment.
D Baxter-Tomkins
HR Manager, Moree Plains Shire Council
The Preftrain Leadership Workshops gave our teams the opportunity to learn techniques and tools to better lead, engage and support their teams. The flexibility to adapt the content to suit our needs and run the sessions in-house was very welcomed. The content was well structured and the trainer facilitated in an engaging and interactive manner, helping to embed the key takeaways of the session.
A Fontaine L&D Consultant
People and Culture, NEC Australia
Preferred Training Networks have been invaluable to our organisation in customising professional integrity and communications courses for us. Your trainers are very experienced and can handle sessions with individuals from any level of the organisation. Thank you for your help and we look forward to working with you again this financial year.
M Hewitt
Human Resources and Safety, Diver Foods
I have worked with Preferred Training Networks over a number of years to deliver onsite training for our employees. Preferred Training Networks took the time to understand my requirements right from their first contact with me. David Souter has a thorough understanding of local government which makes for a great partnership. He has provided us with some amazing trainers who are able to engage our staff and deliver the essential outcomes that Council is looking for. Thank you to David, Niall, Deb and Suzanne for all your help and hard work!
M Collett
L&D Coordinator, Hobsons Bay City Council
“Pleasure to work with the team at Preferred Training Networks. Great to have training tailored to the needs of our organisation and I found the trainer really listened to what we were trying to achieve through training our Customer Service and Coordinator teams. Staff appreciated that the strategies they learned were clear and practical, which they could readily employ in their day to day work.”
C Davenport Quality Manager
Pinarc Disability Support and EasyTech Living
“Very engaged with content – always great to break it up with videos/break out rooms.”
J Zavecz
QMS Media
“Content was excellent and well thought out and provided plenty of food for thought. Tom did a very good job of engaging with people via Teams.”
O Goldrick
Sports Integrity Australia
“Very engaging and interesting training session.”
G Sinclair
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
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