This document discusses Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) which are used to rate employee performance based on specific behaviors associated with different levels of performance. BARS define behaviors that correspond to exceptional, excellent, fully competent, and unsatisfactory performance for key job tasks. For example, a BARS for completing status change forms would define behaviors for a 5 (exceptional) as completing forms within an hour, 4 (excellent) as verifying information with managers, etc. BARS aim to provide an objective, equitable and individualized approach to performance evaluation, though developing and maintaining them can be time-consuming.