ZS Associates

We conduct performance reviews for all individuals twice annually, at mid-year and end-of-year. Throughout the year, as projects are completed (or on a regular basis for long-standing project assignments), team members are reviewed regarding their performance on that specific project. Team members review their project managers at the same time. All team members also have the opportunity to contribute peer reviews at the close of a project. Professional Development Managers receive all of the feedback regarding their reports as the reviews are completed, and make sure that each individual has a good sense of their progress.

The performance review process is only one element of tracking career progress. We encourage an open environment for feedback, so that each team member knows how he/she is doing throughout the project, not just during a "formal" review. We conduct the formal review to make sure everyone is contributing and developing, and to collect data to use for compensation and advancement decisions. However, it is through the daily collaboration and interaction with project managers and PD managers that each person really tracks his/her own performance.

At each level of the firm (associate, associate consultant, consultant, manager and principal), ZS has identified competencies against which an individual can measure progress. Additionally, we have some common expectations that apply to all members of the firm.