It’s time to prepare for your first STEP checkpoint conversation! The purpose of the checkpoint is to promote open dialogue in a two-way conversation between managers and employees, focused on performance expectations, accomplishments and collaboration.

Whether you’re an individual contributor or a manager, take these steps to prepare for a meaningful conversation.

1. Complete the required training.

If you need extra help, register for an optional live training or drop by virtual office hours to chat with an expert. (More details about required and optional training are provided below.)

2. Update progress on your goals and competencies in ePerformance.*

• Keep your comments brief – use bullet points and date each comment.
• Give concrete examples.
• Add to your goals. If appropriate, flag any goals you think should be deleted for discussion with your manager.
• Use the Checkpoint Resource Guide for help in framing your comments.
  • Checkpoint Resource Guide for Employees
  • Checkpoint Resource Guide for Managers

Remember, STEP is flexible! You can comment on your goals, explain how you are using competencies for development or share an accomplishment you are particularly proud of — you are the driver of this process.

3. Answer the four feedback questions in ePerformance.

The emphasis of your checkpoint conversation will be on the following four discussion areas, so be thoughtful in your comments:

• Fulfilling Accomplishments – Your most fulfilling and other key accomplishments
• Improvement Areas – Areas of focus and steps to take to bolster your performance
• Resource Needs – Information, knowledge, skills and resources you need to master your job, accomplish goals and/or develop professionally
• Manager Accountability – What your manager can do to help you be successful (Stop, Start or Continue)

4. Share your thoughts with your manager.

When you’re ready, simply click the Share with Manager button in the top right-hand corner of ePerformance.

5. Prepare for your conversation.

Ensure that your checkpoint meeting is on the calendar in advance of the February 26 due date (allow 45 minutes to one hour for the conversation), and prepare yourself to give and receive feedback.

For the FY20/21 performance cycle, this is the one checkpoint before the finalize criteria checkpoint in April 2021, which will be followed by the final manager evaluation, discussion and sign-off due in June 2021.

*Please note that if a manager has not approved the define criteria stage for an employee(s), that employee(s) will not be able to complete the checkpoint stage of the process.

Training and resources

Required self-paced training is available through the UC Learning Center:

• STEP Checkpoints for Employees and Managers (@ 20 minutes)
• STEP Checkpoints for Managers only (@ 15 minutes)
• Checkpoint Demo for Employees and Managers (@ 5 minutes)
• Checkpoint Demo for Managers only (@ 10 minutes)

Optional live training

Please note that employees are required to complete all required self-paced courses before attending the following optional support sessions:

• Instructor-led training for managers and employees: Live sessions will expand on the materials presented in the required online courses. Participants will go deeper into preparing, giving and receiving feedback, and engaging in a two-way dialog. Multiple dates are available for employee classes and manager classes.
• Coaching Lab for managers: This interactive Coaching Lab session for managers and supervisors provides an opportunity to practice strategies for giving feedback with a coaching lens. Come with a real-life example to practice with your peers.
• Drop-in office hours: STEP office hours will take place every Friday in February from 9-10:30 a.m. (PT). No registration is required. Join via this Zoom link.

Key Dates

Additional information is available on the STEP website. For questions regarding your goals and appraisal process, please contact your manager or UCOP Human Resources business partner.

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