# Transforming Performance Management in the Public Sector: John Barrand

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/workplace-stories-by-redthread-research-3600959/transforming-performance-management-in-the-public-sector-john-barrand
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/workplace-stories-by-redthread-research-3600959/transforming-performance-management-in-the-public-sector-john-barrand.md
Podcast: [Workplace Stories by RedThread Research](https://stenobird.com/podcast/workplace-stories-by-redthread-research-3600959)
Published: 2026-04-29T05:00:05+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/transforming-performance-management-in-the-public-sector-john-barrand--71652875
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71652875/ws_126.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/workplace-stories-by-redthread-research-3600959/episodes/transforming-performance-management-in-the-public-sector-john-barrand
Duration seconds: 2989

## Resource

In this episode, we sit down with John Barrand, CHRO for the State of Utah, to discuss an inspiring transformation in public sector performance management. John led a bold effort to overhaul Utah’s performance management system—moving it from a culture of “adequacy” and silence to one focused on learning, growth, connection, and accountability. John shares how he and his team achieved legislative change requiring quarterly check-ins, implemented management training, and shifted the state’s mindset around performance and development. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [01:16] Initial state of Utah’s performance management system [06:23] Value of continuous learning and curiosity in government [10:06] Defining the “why” for performance management in Utah [17:02] Risks and Resistance in Systemic Change [20:06] Quarterly employee check-ins initiative [25:59] Balancing fairness and measurement without alienating staff [34:28] Creation of a system-wide talent mobility program [40:01] Development of incentive structures and bonus allocations [44:22] Sustainability and future of the program Performance Management is a Sector-Spanning Challenge Performance management has a notorious reputation, often maligned as bureaucratic and misaligned. These challenges aren’t confined to just the private sector. Public organizations often face a wealth of bureaucracy and challenges that can inhibit transformation, compounded by a cultural tendency towards silence and an adequacy mindset. When John assumed his role in 2021 for the state of Utah, over 70% of employees had an “unknown” performance rating, and only 16% had received annual reviews. The pervasive culture of silence fostered disengagement and suspicion, and performance management, where it occurred, wa…

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