Performance Management 2026: Coaching
Dear supervisors,
As part of CU Boulder Performance Management, it is time to begin coaching with your employee(s). Performance management has three parts: planning, coaching, and evaluation. To be an effective supervisor, engaging with your staff mid-way through the performance cycle is an ideal time to clarify goals and expectations. Coaching enables open, honest conversations between you and your employees, fostering transparency and clear communication.
Coaching Guidance
- For university staff, we recommend conducting at least one coaching session.
- University Staff Performance Management Coaching Guidance.
- It is recommended to complete the coaching session by March 31, 2026
- For classified staff, a coaching session is mandatory.
- Classified Staff Performance Management Coaching Guidance.
- It is required to complete the coaching session by April 30, 2026
Reminders & Resources
- Performance plans are not static; they are meant to be modified throughout the year.
- Coaching should be done regularly. Sessions can be informal and orchestrated throughout the performance year, Coaching Tips Template
- Guide the conversation with your employee using a Stay Interview. Stay Interview Template
- Be sure to add and update existing goals in the performance plan to ensure they remain SMART. SMART Goals Template
- Please reference our learning and development website for professional development training for both supervisors and employees.
- For those who utilize Cornerstone, the coaching tasks are LIVE! Login steps are available on the CU Boulder Performance page. Please note: Cornerstone has released updates to the look and feel of the Performance Planning Page. Please review these changes with your team and visit the Knowledge Base Page as a resource. For questions about Cornerstone, please email cornerstonehelp@colorado.edu.
If employees or departments have questions about performance management or want one-on-one guidance on conducting coaching conversations, schedule a training session with Employee Relations by emailing hrer@colorado.edu.
Thank you,
CU Boulder HR