Performance Philosophy
A Balanced, Integrated Approach
At Virginia Tech, we believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development while ensuring that our employees are also accountable for their performance outcomes.
Our performance philosophy integrates the best of both a growth mindset and a performance mindset in a balanced, integrated approach, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability to ensure sustainable success in both the short and long term.
The Mindsets
Growth Mindset
Employees are encouraged to view challenges as opportunities for growth, understanding that their capabilities can be developed over time through effort and practice. We recognize that growth is different for everyone, and employees are encouraged to develop based on individual strengths and needs. In this supportive environment:
Constructive and specific feedback focuses on iterative effort, strategy, and long-term progress.
- Mistakes are viewed as learning experiences, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth where the tools and resources are provided to support ongoing improvement.
As an example, an employee who struggles with a new software tool receives regular, constructive feedback and additional training resources. Over time, their proficiency improves, and they are able to use the tool effectively in their daily tasks.
Performance Mindset
At the same time, we recognize the importance of achieving specific, measurable outcomes for both individual and organizational success. We value high performance in the short term, with clear expectations for results:
Employees are motivated to meet clear expectations and goals to deliver high-quality work.
- Accountability is key, and employees are evaluated on their ability to meet their goals and contribute to institutional success long-term.
As an example, a project team is given clear performance targets and deadlines. Regular check-ins ensure they stay on track, and their successful completion of the project is recognized and rewarded.
Balanced, Integrated Approach
Our philosophy strikes a balance between these two approaches:
Development and Results: We encourage growth, and growth is always aligned with concrete performance goals. Employees are expected to develop over time while maintaining accountability for their current performance.
Psychological Safety: We foster a supportive environment where employees feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes, but we also ensure that these efforts contribute to institutional success.
- Feedback and Improvement: Feedback is ongoing, constructive, and actionable. We emphasize learning and progress, but we also reward employees for their performance in the present.
How you might observe this in action: An employee is encouraged to take on a challenging project outside their usual scope. They receive ongoing feedback and support, and their successful completion of the project is celebrated, contributing to their professional growth and the organization’s goals.
Managing the Limitations
Growth Mindset Limitation: Focusing too much on growth can sometimes overlook performance. We counter this by ensuring that growth efforts lead to real, measurable outcomes that align with the organization’s goals.
- Performance Mindset Limitation: Focusing too much on performance can lead to fear of failure and risk aversion. By incorporating flexibility, we encourage innovation and resilience, allowing employees to take calculated risks and learn from their experiences, and adapt when needed, without fear of being penalized.
One approach to this might be: An employee is given the freedom to experiment with new methods to improve a process. While some attempts may not succeed, the overall learning and eventual success are valued and recognized.
Incorporating Flexibility and Adaptability
To address the limitations of both mindsets, we emphasize the need for flexibility and adaptability.
Mitigating Burnout: We recognize that pushing through challenges without reprieve can lead to burnout. Employees are encouraged to assess their goals and strategies periodically, ensuring a balance between effort and well-being.
- Strategic Pivoting: Persistence is important, and so is knowing when to change direction. Employees are encouraged to communicate with their supervisors to adapt their strategies when necessary, ensuring that their efforts remain productive and aligned with organizational goals.
This might be practiced as: An employee working on a long-term project is encouraged to take regular breaks and reassess their approach periodically. This helps them maintain high performance without experiencing burnout.
Overall, our performance philosophy promotes a balance between learning and results, while fostering a culture where employees can innovate, adapt, and pivot as necessary. It creates an environment where diverse abilities are valued and respected, and where flexibility ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. This ensures that the workforce remains adaptable, resilient, and high-performing, with a strong focus on both sustained growth and immediate success.