Overview
Conventional performance reviews often miss the mark in cooperatives, where values like collaboration, transparency, member service, and community impact carry as much weight as traditional KPIs. This best practice offers guidance on aligning staff evaluation processes with cooperative identity and mission.
Core Tactics:
- Include values-based criteria. Build in metrics that reflect cooperation, shared leadership, and community contribution.
Sample Cooperative Values Evaluation Rubric:
| Value | Description | Performance Indicators |
| Member Service | Prioritizes member needs and feedback | Responsive, empathetic, follows through |
| Democratic Participation | Encourages input and inclusive decision-making | Listens actively, engages peers in shared solutions |
| Equity & Inclusion | Fosters a welcoming, respectful workplace | Advocates for fairness, challenges bias respectfully |
| Community Concern | Acts beyond immediate role to support community goals | Volunteers, represents co-op in community initiatives |
- Incorporate 360° feedback. Use anonymous input from peers, supervisors, and direct reports to ensure a well-rounded assessment.
Sample 360° Feedback Questionnaire:
Employee Name:
Reviewer Name:
| Question | Response (1–5) | Comments |
| Collaborates effectively with peers | ||
| Demonstrates commitment to co-op values | ||
| Communicates openly and constructively | ||
| Supports a positive team environment | ||
| Seeks feedback and uses it for improvement |
Download 360° Feedback Questionnaire (Google Sheet)
- Connect goals to the co-op’s mission. Show how each staff member’s objectives help achieve the cooperative’s broader purpose.
- Use development-focused conversations. Shift from judgment to coaching—highlight strengths, uncover growth areas, and plan learning goals together.
Sample Staff Development Plan Template:
| Goal Area | Objective | Action Steps | Timeline | Support Needed |
| Professional Skills | Improve grant writing | Attend workshop, write draft | Q2 | Supervisor, budget |
| Leadership Growth | Facilitate team meetings | Shadow lead, practice co-facilitation | Q3 | Mentor, calendar |
Download Staff Development Plan Template (Google Doc)
- Offer transparent evaluation rubrics. Make expectations clear and consistent across the team.
Sample Performance Review Template:
Employee Name:
| Category | Rating (1–5) | Notes |
| Job Knowledge | ||
| Quality of Work | ||
| Communication | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Initiative & Problem Solving | ||
| Alignment with Co-op Values |