How would you handle a scenario where technical difficulties disrupt a remote performance review session?

1 Stay Calm

Remember, technical glitches are often beyond your control, so it's crucial to stay calm and composed. Your reaction sets the tone for the session. Quickly assess the situation to determine if it's a minor hiccup or a major issue. If it's minor, a simple refresh or reconnect may suffice. For more significant problems, reassure the employee that these issues are common and that you'll work together to resolve them. This approach maintains a professional atmosphere and helps to alleviate any additional stress the situation may cause.

2 Plan B

Always have a backup plan in place. Before starting the review, ensure that you and the employee have alternative communication methods such as a phone call or a different video conferencing tool. If the primary system fails, switch to your contingency option without hesitation. This not only demonstrates your preparedness but also shows respect for the employee's time. A seamless transition to a backup plan can help preserve the flow of the performance review and keep both parties focused on the discussion at hand.

3 Document Issues

4 Clear Communication

Effective communication is key when dealing with disruptions. Clearly explain the situation to the employee and discuss how you will proceed. Whether you decide to continue via an alternative method or reschedule, ensure that the employee understands and agrees with the plan. This transparency builds trust and shows that you value their input and experience during the performance review process.

5 Technical Support

If recurring technical issues are disrupting performance reviews, it may be time to seek assistance from technical support. Work with your IT team to identify and address the root causes of these problems. They can offer solutions or improvements to your current systems, which can help prevent similar issues in future sessions. Involving IT also shows employees that you are committed to providing a smooth and professional review experience.

6 Reflect and Adapt