1. 55ISSUE 14.12 HRMASIA.COM
BOOK REVIEWIN PERSON
We often hear the term “performance
management” being bandied about, but do we
actually know how to conceptualise and implement it for
our staff?
HR professionals, fret no more. Performance
Management (HR Fundamentals) will allay your fears and
anxieties around this crucial aspect of HR once and for all.
The book, authored by HR management specialist Linda
Ashdown, is the ultimate guide for everything related
to performance management. It takes the reader from a
broad, holistic look into performance management, into
a deeper and more intimate focus on each of the principal
activities involved, including objective-setting and
providing feedback.
The book kicks off with a chapter on “What is
performance management?” before progressing
chronologically to more intensive chapters such as “Why
is it important?”, “How does it fit with organisation and
strategy?”, and “How does it work?”.
Other chapters cover “How do you do it?”, “Planning
and action”, and “Measurement”.
In between each chapter, there are actual activities,
questionnaires and case studies that help readers to make
sense of different concepts and also apply them in their
respective workplaces.
The book is written in a very practical manner, allowing
readers to tap onto ideas and concepts in a clear and
concise fashion.
Ashdown also utilises her own practical encounters of
working in HR as examples
and case studies.
This is an absolutely
imperative read for those
looking to strategise and execute
a high performance working
culture within their ranks.
VANDNA
RAMCHANDANI
Head of Recruitment
– Asia-Pacific,
Bloomberg LP
Title: Performance Management
(HR Fundamentals)
Author: Linda Ashdown
Publisher: Kogan Page
Price: S$62.50 (before GST)
Step up a notch in
performance
management
Years in HR?
Just one!
Why HR?
Managing a cross-cultural business team of about 250
people across Asia helped me realise – more than ever
before – the importance of talent. You can achieve any
target or business goal if you have the right people and
a good team. That’s the role of HR – to bring in the best
talent, to motivate and develop them – to help drive
ultimate business success. With 17 years in the business,
I have a deep appreciation of Bloomberg’s unique culture,
and our strong focus on talent is also a personal passion
for me, so it was a natural progression.
Why Bloomberg?
I have been with Bloomberg for 18 years, across two
geographies, three different departments in at least eight
different roles! It’s a very self-driven, entrepreneurial
environment: we empower people to be creative, take the
lead, and above all, we value our people. The company has
provided me more opportunities to learn and grow than
I ever thought fathomable at the start of my career. They
have taken and continue to take a chance on me. It’s been
a true partnership - an amazing journey!
I really enjoy the Financial Services industry, but
ultimately, you want to work at a place where you can be
yourself – be authentic. The values of the company: to
give back to the community, to make the world a better
place, and to support art and culture – they all echo my
own, and that helps me feel energised about what I do
and the difference we make together on a daily basis.
Biggest achievement?
Having been able to create a work-life fit; grow a career;
and yet also have a wonderful family.
After hours?
Watch TV, go to the gym, meet friends, but most
importantly, spend time with my family.
Family?
My family is my first priority: my parents, my husband
and my daughter. I am sure they will all echo that!