The University of Venda through the Human Resources Department organised a Performance Management workshop for UNIVEN Senior Managers. The workshop that was facilitated by the Talent Hub International, took place at 2Ten Hotel at Sibasa, outside Thohoyandou on Tuesday 23 July 2024.
The purpose of the Performance Management workshop for senior managers was to enhance their skills in setting goals, providing feedback, and effectively managing the performance of their teams with the ultimate goal of improving institutional performance.
Through this workshop, senior managers were equipped with best practices for conducting per-formance reviews, identifying areas for development, and recognising and rewarding top perform-ers. For the purpose of fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, the workshop aimed to align individual goals with institutional objectives, ultimately driving employee engagement and productivity. Overall, the workshop equipped senior managers with the skills and knowledge needed to lead their respective teams to achieve desired outcomes and contribute to the overall success of the University.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni welcomed the participants and facilitators from the Talent Hub International, Ms Susan London and Sandra Schlebusch.
When highlighting the background, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal remarked that UNIVEN is a High Individual Performance Monitoring and Review Institution. To ensure excellent staff Performance Management, Prof Nthambeleni indicated that UNIVEN believes in the Power of Measuring Results. Hence, UNIVEN has adopted a system of the Results-Based Management (RBM) approach that aligned institutional and individual performance management.
In terms of the implementation of UNIVEN Performance Management System (PMS), he expressed that UNIVEN has a Performance Management System (PMS), and Human Resources Directorate is the custodian of the system. He showed that Performance Management is the development of the individual yearly work plan that begins with the signing of the “Performance Agreement.” The participants were informed that performance management is an ongoing process in which UNIVEN managers and employees regularly communicate to assess and review job responsibilities, expectations, performance, and development strategies, emphasising the goal which is to empower employees to perform at their best, align their efforts with the University’s strategic objectives, and create a positive and fulfilling work environment for everyone.
As he concluded his welcoming remarks, Prof Nthambeleni said “A Good Performance Management System tracks the performance of employees in a manner that is consistent and measurable.” In addition, he invited everyone to participate meaningfully and ensure that UNIVEN implements this process appropriately for the achievement of institutional goals while opening developmental opportunities for staff.
The training came as follow-up of the issues and challenges that transpired during the 2023 performance reviews for Senior Management and Executive Management members which took place on 8-11 April 2024.
The Talent Hub International (TTHI) team was part of the panel invited as external experts to assist during the performance review process in April 2024. They were therefore tasked to come up with this training and include possible changes that would improve the PMS at UNIVEN. The team took the senior managers through the entire process of PMS and future improvement plans.
The Director Human Resources, Mrs Uanda Ndou expressed appreciation to the senior managers for their participation and the Directorate of ICT for designing such an impressive Performance Management Sys-tem.
Issued by:
Department Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
