Information for DFA Non-Represented Staff
The Align performance program promotes two-way conversations between staff and leaders that focus on key deliverables and behaviors, alignment of expectations, and pathways for success. Beginning in 2025, staff and leaders will conduct two check-ins each year in the months of March and August. Between check-ins, leaders should continue having regular 1:1 meetings with their direct reporting staff, at least monthly, to ensure they have sufficient communications and guidance for success.
Key Deliverables – “What” we do
Key deliverables are the important outcomes expected and agreed upon by each employee and their leader, exclusively related to performance in their current role. They can range from primary job duties to special projects, or a combination of both, which successfully support the achievement of DFAs strategic and prioritized operations, and the results will be rated during each check-in. While staff members are often working on several important activities, typically, three to five key deliverables should capture the significant priorities for this program.
Key Behaviors – “How” we do it
DFA has selected three division wide behaviors that best support our direction and define how we act while accomplishing key deliverables. For the 2025 check-ins, the key behaviors to be demonstrated and rated are listed below with more detailed definitions found here: DFA's Key Behaviors
- Communication
- Continuous Improvement
- Problem Solving
In addition, all UCI people leaders will be reviewed on these three foundational leadership expectations:
- Establish Alignment and Direction
- Engage Employees
- Deliver Results
Getting Started
The first step for launching Align is for staff to work with their leaders to agree upon key deliverables for the next check-in. With the exception of the November 2024 launch of Align requesting initial key deliverables be entered by November 30, 2024, key deliverables are to be entered each September for the March check-ins and each April for the August check-ins. Please refer to the Align webpage for valuable resources for more details, short instructions videos, discussion guides, both recorded and live training offerings, FAQs and contact points.