Performance Review and Calibration Toolkit

Give performance reviews a consistent structure, from setting goals to discussing final ratings. Keep evaluations tied to job-related facts as you gather self-reviews and manager reviews. Then bring proposed ratings into a group calibration discussion, with the workbook showing rating distributions, the 9-box, and patterns that stand out across managers.

Four pieces for reviews, goals, and calibration

Start Here explains the recommended order. The guide walks through the review cycle, the workbook supports calibration, and the forms cover every stage.

• Performance Review Field Guide. A start-to-finish explanation of the review cycle, rating scale, calibration process, and relevant legal considerations.
• Performance Calibration Workbook. Enter proposed ratings and review the distribution, performance and potential 9-box grid, and manager-pattern flags. Begin with the Scale and Settings tab. The workbook collects no demographic data by design.
• Editable Review and Calibration Forms. A self-review, a manager review, SMART goals, mid-cycle check-ins, a calibration agenda, documentation, and a performance improvement plan.
• Quick Reference (PDF). The whole workbook on one page, including what each tab is for, what you enter, and how to read the result.

Where to begin

Begin with the Field Guide, set goals, collect the reviews, and bring the proposed ratings into a group calibration discussion.

• Review the Field Guide. Get familiar with the review cycle, rating scale, calibration process, and relevant legal considerations.
• Set goals and gather reviews. Begin with the SMART goals form, use the mid-cycle form at the midpoint, then collect a self-review and complete a manager review for each person.
• Bring ratings into calibration. Complete Scale and Settings first, enter proposed ratings, and review the Distribution Dashboard and the 9-Box Grid as a group. Discuss the results before using ratings for pay, promotion, or termination decisions.

Who this is for and other options

Built for

• An HR owner coordinating performance reviews who wants the forms, calibration process, and legal considerations together in one system.
• A manager preparing performance reviews, setting employee goals, and documenting a well-supported improvement plan.
• A leader comparing rating distributions across teams and looking for inconsistent rating patterns during calibration.

If you are looking for

• For day-to-day one-on-ones, feedback, and documentation, see the People Manager Toolkit.
• The Merit Increase Matrix covers turning performance ratings into raises within a budget.

Before you buy

What format is it and can I edit it?

A PDF field guide, an Excel workbook that also works in Google Sheets, and editable Word forms. You can adapt every editable file to your scale and wording.

Does it collect demographic data?

No. The workbook collects no demographic data by design. The kit explains the four-fifths rule for a separate check of favorable-rating rates across groups protected by law. If a group's rate is noticeably lower, review the results with qualified counsel before finalizing ratings.

What does the workbook show?

Proposed ratings, the rating distribution, a 9-box grid, and manager-pattern flags, all driven by a Scale and Settings tab you set to your own scale.

What is the refund policy?

Digital products are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. To request a refund, email support@truestephr.com or reply to your receipt within 30 days of purchase.

What happens after I buy?

Your download link appears immediately after checkout. Your receipt arrives by email with the same link. Open Start Here first for the recommended order. For setup questions, email support@truestephr.com.

How the download works

Your files arrive as a single ZIP download, best opened on a computer. Save it, extract it (right-click and select Extract All on Windows, or double-click on a Mac), then open the Start Here file first. PDFs open in any reader, and editable files work in Microsoft Word and Excel or free equivalents, including LibreOffice, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. No other software is needed. Step-by-step help for every device is at truestephr.com/pages/download-help.

Scope

These working tools and editable templates help you handle performance, conduct, and people decisions clearly, consistently, and defensibly. Performance, pay, and conduct conversations can have legal consequences, and discipline, documentation, and termination rules vary by state. For potential discipline or separation, or complaints involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or safety, have qualified counsel review the facts and your next step against applicable law before you act. General HR information, not legal advice.