---
title: How to Conduct a Performance Review- Guidelines for Supervisors
description: Conduct effective municipal performance evaluations by fostering a supportive setting, avoiding bias, and focusing on clear, behavior-based feedback and development.
---

[Skip to content](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/how-to-conduct-a-performance-review-guidelines-for-supervisors#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

[More support](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Ticket System Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)

[![LGC Color-1](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/LGC%20Color-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=LGC%20Color-1.png)](https://www.montana.edu/extension/localgov/index.html)

- [Submit a Ticket](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [View Tickets](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Subscribers Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Submit a Ticket](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [View Tickets](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Subscribers Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)
- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [More support](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [Ticket System Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)

[Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)

 How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [MSU Extension Local Government Center](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base?hsLang=en)
2. [Process guides](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/process-guides?hsLang=en)

February 10, 2026

# How to Conduct a Performance Review- Guidelines for Supervisors

## Creating a Positive Evaluation Experience: Best Practices for Municipal Performance Reviews

Performance evaluations are typically conducted in a formal manner at least once per year for each employee. Consider making continuous observations during the year with written notation, dating, and describing specific examples of good and poor performance. This feedback should be shared with the employee throughout the course of the year as a means to have continuous open dialogue about performance. Giving feedback only once a year during a performance evaluation is not as effective because employees tend to focus on the negative feedback and often are demoralized by the experience. By sharing performance feedback throughout the year, hearing specific feedback about negative performance should not be a surprise for the employee. A performance evaluation should never come as a surprise.

Please see [Section 3.8 Performance Evaluation of the Montana Municipal Officials Handbook](https://www.montana.edu/extension/localgov/resourcesandhandouts/referencedocuments/municipalofficialshandbook/mmoh_chapter3.html#toppage) for more information about conducting performance reviews. 

- [FAQs](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/faqs?hsLang=en)
- [Process guides](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/process-guides?hsLang=en)
- [White papers](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Voter Review](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers?hsLang=en#voter-review)
- [Glossary of terms](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/glossary-of-terms?hsLang=en)
- [Product or service descriptions](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/product-or-service-descriptions?hsLang=en)
- [Online Courses](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/online-courses?hsLang=en)

- [LGC Services and Pricing](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/service-and-pricing)
- [Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)
- [Ask the LGC Team a Question](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2_ory1YLOQQe3qA3hzpNAkg)

[![LGC Color-2](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/LGC%20Color-2.png?width=100&height=100&name=LGC%20Color-2.png "LGC Color-2")](https://www.montana.edu/extension/localgov/index.html)

Resources prepared by the MSU Extension Local Government Center are intended for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For interpretation or application of the law, please consult qualified legal counsel. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

Copyright © 2026