Monthly Performance Checklist for Successful Managers

A monthly performance checklist for successful managers helps you focus your team's efforts, track progress consistently, and balance leadership responsibilities with personal wellbeing.

Digitalisation and remote work have made days busier than ever, filled with back-to-back meetings that leave little room for planning. So how can a successful manager stay on top of team performance while also growing personally?

Use the checklist below to focus your efforts correctly and periodically review your influence on your employees.

Workplace Steps for Planned Performance Improvement

These actions help you structure your monthly leadership routine and keep your team aligned with company goals.

• Prepare monthly plans to improve employee skills through coaching, mentoring, training, or feedback.
• Check whether your department's direction matches the company's strategic plan and stay updated on top management's agenda.
• Plan monthly meetings to review the results of your team or department.
• Give positive feedback by listing each employee's strengths and accomplishments.
• Hold brief interviews so your team knows what they've achieved, learned, and need to improve this month.
• Maintain a 90-day business plan updated weekly and monthly, and share it with your team.
• Review financial information for your department and define action plans to increase revenue or reduce costs.
• Organize monthly meetings to inform stakeholders (subordinates, superiors, peers, suppliers, customers) and clarify tasks needed to achieve results.
• Prepare an action plan that involves employees in offering suggestions, with rewards for good ideas.
• Review relationships with colleagues or strategic partners from last month and plan how to maintain those connections this month.
• Identify what help you can ask from colleagues, a "brain" group, or other resources.
• Check upcoming strategic needs (personnel, systems, processes) and communicate them to relevant departments like HR, finance, or purchasing.
• Note what you'll improve and implement more effectively next month, and add it to your plan.
• Finally, did you and your team have fun and laugh together last month? Plan how to maintain that positive atmosphere this month.

Personal Life Considerations for a Healthy Career

Beyond your work environment, make time for yourself. Ask yourself these questions each month.

• What will you do this month to take care of yourself? Are you eating properly and exercising at least three days a week? Note changes you've wanted to make and activities that feel good.
• What will you do with family, loved ones, and friends this month? Plan quality time together.
• Create a list of things to watch, read, or listen to for career and personal growth. Check out the Sorwe Newsletter for current HR news and recommendations (email info@sorwe.com to sign up).
• BONUS: Address an issue that seems unfair and solve it in a way that makes you proud. Being a source of change benefits both you and your environment.

Going through this checklist every month, or in the periods you determine, improves healthy control both in your company and personal life while ensuring effective results.

Are you ready to implement these changes starting next month? Let's begin!

We would like to thank Performance and Culture Development Specialist Dilek Mete for the checklist.

Dilek Mete
Performance and Culture Development Expert

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a monthly performance checklist for successful managers?

It is a recurring set of tasks covering team coaching, feedback, goal review, financial checks, and personal wellbeing that managers complete every month to stay effective.

Why should managers review performance monthly instead of annually?

Monthly reviews catch issues early, keep goals aligned with strategy, and allow faster feedback and course correction than a single annual review.

How do I give effective feedback using this checklist?

List each employee's strengths and achievements, then schedule brief individual interviews to discuss progress, learnings, and next month's priorities.

How can managers balance work performance with personal wellbeing?

The checklist includes personal questions on health, exercise, family time, and continuous learning, ensuring managers care for themselves while managing their teams.

Who should use this monthly performance checklist?

Any manager or team leader who wants a structured, repeatable method to track team progress, communication, and personal development can use it.