NSPS Courses
This is an example of some titles offered in the past conducted by Ken through Caskey Consulting, C2 Technologies, and Serco.
Understanding NSPS, also called HR Elements, or Navigating NSPS Part 1 (3.5 hrs)
A complete understanding of NSPS. This course can be offered to everyone in 3.5 hours, or separated for employees and supervisors as a full day to incorporate a feedback loop activity for transition into better performance management conversations in NSPS between the employee and supervisor. Prerequisite is NSPS 101 online (see link at the bottom of this page).
Performance Management (Also called Navigating NSPS Part 2) (10.5 hrs)
Performance management is a cornerstone of the NSPS. This course reviews effective performance management processes (planning, monitoring, developing, rating and rewarding), prepares you to write SMART job objectives, and understand the pay pool process. This course is for employees and managers. If managers are separated into their own class then more emphasis is placed on supervisory aspects of the process. Prereq: NSPS 101 (online) and NSPS Part 1.
Writing SMART* Job Performance Objectives (3.5 hrs)
Since job objectives are the key starting point, this highly interactive activity-based workshop prepares you to write an effective job objective using the SMART model that is Specific, Measurable, Aligned, Realistic and Timed which makes objectives easy. You will understand how to rate an NSPS job objective using the applicable performance indicators and contributing factors. You will be able to categorize your work to pinpoint key objectives and draft performance plans for discussion with your supervisor that drive tangible results/outcomes.
Self Assesments (”SA”) using ORE* & Pay Pools (4 hours or 7.5 hrs)
This course stands out from all comparative programs and is the most sought after workshop because of the Pay Pool simulation tied to self assessment that you won’t find anywhere else. In this activity-based workshop you will learn how to write a clear, concise, complete and compelling self assessment using an easy-to-understand model that makes self advocacy simple and aligns with the pay pool panel process. Each participant gains the confidence needed to write a self assessment and consider what they must do to prepare for successful review conversations with their supervisors. Depending when this workshop is conducted during the rating cycle, there are 2 versions available in both half or full day formats. Option 1: SA half-day class focuses on effectively writing the SA. Option 2: Provide SA in tandem with Rating & Rewarding Performance, which is also a half day, for managers to understand Business Rules related to how the Pay Pools operate. Thus, you can offer 2 separate classes and segregate employees. Option 3: full-day Self Assessment & Pools class has additional activities and a Pay Pool simulation for everyone to understand the pay pool panel process, the impact of self assessment on the process, and appreciate the transparency of the pay pools. It enhances the effectiveness of writing better self assessments that are targeted and concise. When time permits it also allows more activity to work with individual assessments. Thus, it is recommended that students bring their job objectives to class along with any completed or draft self assessments if available.
Rating & Rewarding Performance: Pay Pool Prep (1/2 or full day)
This workshop prepares you to serve as an NSPS Rating Official. You will learn the business rules of Pay Pools and how to recommend ratings, share assignments, and payout distributions based on your organization’s business rules. You will learn how to accurately gauge and cultivate a shared understanding and consistent interpretation of NSPS’s five performance levels. You will learn how to write a clear, concise, complete and compelling self and supervisory assessment narrative that aligns with the pay pool panels. Depending when it’s conducted during the NSPS cycle, it can be customized to incorporate lessons learned from mid-year simulations. Option 1: Full day as described above. Option 2: Half day focuses specifically on the rules and scenarios, with several activities removed. It should be done in tandem with Self Assessments.
Making NSPS Work for You (2 days and 1.5 days)
This is the complete course for all employees and managers which covers understanding NSPS, performance management, writing SMART performance objectives, writing a self assessment and understanding pay pools. Recommended prereq is NSPS 101 online.
NSPS Pay Pool Management (2 days)
This workshop will prepare you to serve as an NSPS pay pool manager and/or panel member. You will examine the roles and responsibilities of pay pool managers, panel members, rating officials and adjunct participants through the three phases of NSPS’s pay pool process (Plan, Prepare, Pay). You will learn how to accurately gauge and to cultivate a shared understanding of NSPS’s five performance levels. You will learn how to apply pay pool business rules when determining individual share assignments and payout distributions.
*SMART (SMT+AR) and ORE are TM of Caskey Consulting.
NSPS 101, plus more resources and information can be found at