Understanding Performance Evaluation and Early Expectations | Learn Spanish in English

Spanish lesson set in a contemporary Madrid everyday setting: In a job interview, a candidate asks how performance is evaluated and how early expectations and feedback are communicated..

EN → ES / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Understanding Performance Evaluation and Early Expectations to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Me gustaría entender cómo se evalúa el desempeño aquí.

meh goos-tah-REE-ah en-ten-DEHR KOH-moh seh eh-bah-LOO-ah ehl deh-sem-PEH-nyoh ah-KEE. I would like to understand how performance is evaluated here.
B

Las evaluaciones tienen en cuenta los resultados, la colaboración y la calidad del criterio.

lahs eh-bah-loo-ah-SYOH-nehs TYEH-nehn en KWEHN-tah lohs reh-sool-TAH-dohs, lah koh-lah-boh-rah-SYOHN ee lah kah-lee-DAHD dehl kreh-TEH-ryoh. Reviews consider outcomes, collaboration, and the quality of judgment.
A

Ese equilibrio es importante, porque los resultados por sí solos pueden ser engañosos.

EH-seh eh-kee-LEE-bree-oh ehs eem-por-TAHN-teh, POR-keh lohs reh-sool-TAH-dohs por SEE SOH-lohs PWEH-dehn sehr en-gah-NYOH-sohs. That balance matters, because output alone can be misleading.
B

Intentamos evitar premiar la rapidez cuando las decisiones generan problemas más adelante.

een-ten-TAH-mohs eh-bee-TAHR preh-MYAHR lah rah-pee-DEHS KWAHN-doh lahs deh-see-SYOH-nehs heh-neh-RAHN proh-BLEH-mahs mahs ah-deh-LAHN-teh. We try to avoid rewarding speed when decisions create later problems.
A

¿Cómo se comunican las expectativas cuando alguien empieza?

KOH-moh seh koh-moo-nee-KAHN lahs eks-pehk-tah-TEE-bahs KWAHN-doh ahl-GYEHN ehm-PYEH-sah. How are expectations communicated when someone first starts?
B

Los responsables establecen hitos y luego los ajustan a medida que el contexto se aclara.

lohs reh-spohn-SAH-blehs eh-stah-BLEH-sehn EE-tohs ee LWEH-goh lohs ah-HOOS-tahn ah meh-DEE-dah keh ehl kohn-TEHKS-toh seh ah-KLAH-rah. Managers set milestones, then adjust them as context becomes clearer.
A

Eso parece práctico, siempre que los comentarios lleguen pronto.

EH-soh pah-REH-seh PRAHK-tee-koh, SYEH-mpreh keh lohs koh-men-TAH-ryohs YEH-gehn PROHN-toh. That sounds practical, as long as feedback arrives early.
B

Se esperan comentarios desde el principio, no solo durante las evaluaciones formales.

seh ehs-PEH-rahn koh-men-TAH-ryohs DEHS-deh ehl preen-SEE-pyoh, noh SOH-loh doo-RAHN-teh lahs eh-bah-loo-ah-SYOH-nehs for-MAH-lehs. Early feedback is expected, not reserved for formal reviews.

Word by Word

Me In "Me gustaría", "Me" marks the speaker as the person who would like to understand something. It is used with gustar-like expressions such as "Me gustaría + infinitive", especially for polite requests or wishes.
gustaría "Me gustaría" expresses a polite wish or request: "I would like". The citation form is gustar; aquí gustaría is the form used in the expression "Me gustaría entender". This is useful when politely stating what you want to do or know.
entender "entender" means "to understand" and is the action the speaker would like to carry out. It follows "Me gustaría" in "Me gustaría entender". A useful reuse pattern is "Me gustaría entender + question or information".
cómo "cómo" means "how" and introduces a question about the way a process happens in "cómo se evalúa". It is useful after verbs such as understanding, explaining, or asking when the method or process matters.
se In "se evalúa", "se" helps present the evaluation process without naming who evaluates the performance. The same type of structure can describe what happens to something when the responsible people are not specified.
evalúa In "se evalúa el desempeño", "evalúa" means "is evaluated". The citation form is evaluar; evalúa is the dialogue form used with "se" to describe the evaluation process. This form is useful when asking or explaining how something is assessed.
el "el" is the masculine singular form of "the" before "desempeño" in "el desempeño". A useful reuse pattern is article plus a specific workplace noun, as in asking about "el desempeño".
desempeño "desempeño" means performance, specifically the performance being evaluated at this workplace. It is used in "el desempeño" and can be reused in the pattern "evaluar el desempeño" when discussing work results or effectiveness.
aquí "aquí" means "here" and locates the evaluation process at the workplace being discussed. It is useful for asking how something is done in the current organization or place.
Las "Las" is the feminine plural form of "the" before "evaluaciones" in "Las evaluaciones". It is used before a plural group of feminine nouns when referring to specific evaluations.
evaluaciones "evaluaciones" means evaluations or reviews, the processes that consider several aspects of performance. The citation form is evaluación; evaluaciones is the plural form used here. It can be reused in "Las evaluaciones" or "evaluaciones formales" when discussing review processes.
tienen In "tienen en cuenta", "tienen" helps form the expression meaning "consider" or "take into account". The citation form is tener. A useful pattern is "tener en cuenta + item", as in considering several evaluation criteria.
en In "tienen en cuenta", "en" is part of the expression meaning "take into account", rather than meaning "in" by itself here. The expression can be reused before the person, result, or factor being considered.
cuenta In "tienen en cuenta", "cuenta" belongs to the expression meaning "consider" or "take into account". Together with "tienen en", it introduces the results, collaboration, and judgment that the reviews consider. A useful pattern is "tener en cuenta + noun".
los In "los resultados", "los" is the masculine plural form of "the" before the plural noun "resultados". It is useful before a specific group of masculine plural items being discussed or evaluated.
resultados "resultados" means results or outcomes, one of the things included in the reviews. The citation form is resultado; resultados is the plural form used here. A useful workplace pattern is "tener en cuenta los resultados".
la "la" is the feminine singular form of "the" before nouns such as "colaboración" and "calidad". It is used when referring to a specific feminine noun in phrases such as "la colaboración" or "la calidad".
colaboración "colaboración" means collaboration and names one of the qualities considered in the evaluations. It is used in "la colaboración". This word is useful when discussing how people work with colleagues as part of performance.
y "y" means "and" and joins items in the list of evaluation criteria. It is useful for connecting two or more nouns, qualities, or actions in the same statement.
calidad "calidad" means quality, here referring to the quality of judgment in "la calidad del criterio". A useful pattern is "la calidad de" or the contracted form seen in "la calidad del criterio" when describing the quality of something.
del "del" means "of the" and is used in "la calidad del criterio" to connect the quality with the judgment being assessed. It is the contracted form used before "criterio". A useful pattern is "la calidad del + noun".
criterio "criterio" means judgment or discernment, especially the quality used when making decisions. It appears in "la calidad del criterio". This is useful when discussing how sound or thoughtful someone’s decisions are.
Ese "Ese" means "that" and refers back to the balance just described in "Ese equilibrio". It is a masculine singular demonstrative used before "equilibrio". A useful pattern is "Ese + noun" when referring to something already mentioned.
equilibrio "equilibrio" means balance, here the balance among results, collaboration, and judgment. It is the subject of "Ese equilibrio es importante". This word is useful when explaining that several factors should be considered together.
es "es" means "is" and links "Ese equilibrio" with the description "importante". The citation form is ser. A useful pattern is "subject + es + adjective" for describing a person, thing, or idea.
importante "importante" means important and says that the balance among the criteria matters. It appears in "Ese equilibrio es importante". The same pattern can be reused with "es importante" to state that something matters.
porque "porque" means "because" and introduces the reason why the balance matters. It is useful before a clause that explains or justifies a previous statement.
por In "por sí solos", "por" is part of the expression meaning "by themselves" or "on their own". The complete pattern "por sí solos" is useful when saying that something is considered without other factors.
sí In "por sí solos", "sí" refers back to the things being considered as acting or being considered on their own. It contributes to the expression "por sí solos", which means "by themselves". This pattern is useful when emphasizing that no additional factor is included.
solos In "por sí solos", "solos" means "alone" or "by themselves" and agrees with "resultados". The citation form is solo; solos is the plural form used here. The reusable expression is "por sí solos".
pueden "pueden" means "can" or "may" and expresses the possibility that the results are misleading. The citation form is poder; pueden combines with "ser" in "pueden ser engañosos". A useful pattern is "pueden ser + adjective".
ser "ser" means "to be" and follows "pueden" to describe what the results can be. It connects the subject with the adjective "engañosos" in "pueden ser engañosos". This pattern is useful for describing a possible quality or condition.
engañosos "engañosos" means misleading, describing the results when they are viewed alone. The citation form is engañoso; engañosos is the plural form used with "resultados". The exact pattern "pueden ser engañosos" is useful when warning that an apparent measure may give the wrong impression.
Intentamos "Intentamos" means "we try" and introduces the organization’s effort to avoid a harmful reward system. The citation form is intentar; Intentamos is the dialogue form used for the group’s effort. A useful pattern is "Intentamos + infinitive".
evitar "evitar" means "to avoid" and is the action the speakers try to take in "Intentamos evitar". It is the citation form itself. A useful pattern is "intentar evitar + infinitive", as in avoiding an action or result.
premiar "premiar" means "to reward" and follows "evitar" in "evitar premiar la rapidez". It is the citation form itself. This pattern is useful when discussing whether a policy encourages or rewards a particular behavior.
rapidez "rapidez" means speed or quickness, here the behavior that should not be rewarded when it causes later problems. It appears in "premiar la rapidez". This word is useful when discussing the speed of work or decisions.
cuando "cuando" means "when" and introduces the situation in which decisions create later problems. It is useful before a clause that explains when something happens or under what circumstances it happens.
decisiones "decisiones" means decisions, here the decisions that can generate later problems. The citation form is decisión; decisiones is the plural form used here. A useful pattern is "las decisiones generan + result".
generan "generan" means create or generate, showing that the decisions produce problems. The citation form is generar; generan is the dialogue form used with "decisiones". A useful pattern is "X genera problemas" when describing a cause and its result.
problemas "problemas" means problems, specifically later difficulties caused by decisions. The citation form is problema; problemas is the plural form used here. It can be reused after "generar" to describe an unwanted consequence.
más In "más adelante", "más" contributes the idea of farther or later rather than a larger quantity. The complete expression "más adelante" refers to a later point in time or in a process. It is useful when discussing consequences that appear later.
adelante In "más adelante", "adelante" means farther on or later. Together with "más", it places the problems at a later stage. The expression "más adelante" is useful for referring to a future point in a process or discussion.
comunican In "se comunican las expectativas", "comunican" means are communicated. The citation form is comunicar; with "se", comunican presents the communication process without naming who communicates the expectations. A useful pattern is "se comunican + noun".
expectativas "expectativas" means expectations, the standards or aims explained when someone begins. The citation form is expectativa; expectativas is the plural form used here. A useful workplace pattern is "comunicar las expectativas".
alguien "alguien" means someone and refers to an unspecified person in "cuando alguien empieza". It is useful when the person’s identity is not important or is not known. A common pattern is "cuando alguien + verb".
empieza "empieza" means starts or begins, here referring to someone starting at the workplace. The citation form is empezar; empieza is the dialogue form used in "cuando alguien empieza". This expression is useful when discussing what happens at the beginning of a job or activity.
responsables "responsables" refers to the managers or people responsible for setting milestones. The citation form is responsable; responsables is the plural form used in "Los responsables". This word is useful when referring to the people who oversee a process without naming a specific job title.
establecen "establecen" means set or establish, here describing what the responsible people do with milestones. The citation form is establecer; establecen is the dialogue form used with "hitos". A useful pattern is "establecer hitos" when planning work.
hitos "hitos" means milestones, or important points used to organize and assess progress. The citation form is hito; hitos is the plural form used here. A useful workplace pattern is "establecer hitos".
luego "luego" means then or afterward and marks the next step after setting milestones. It appears in "y luego los ajustan". This word is useful for describing actions in sequence.
ajustan "ajustan" means adjust, referring to changing the milestones as the situation becomes clearer. The citation form is ajustar; ajustan is the dialogue form used with the object "los". A useful pattern is "ajustar + object" when modifying a plan or target.
a medida que In "a medida que el contexto se aclara", the whole expression means "as" or "as something gradually develops". "a" provides the linking frame, "medida" contributes the idea of degree or progression, and "que" introduces the following clause. A useful pattern is "a medida que + clause" for describing gradual change.
contexto "contexto" means context, here the surrounding situation that becomes clearer over time. It appears in "el contexto se aclara". This word is useful when explaining that plans or expectations depend on the circumstances.
aclara In "el contexto se aclara", "aclara" means becomes clearer. The citation form is aclarar; with "se", the dialogue describes a change in the context itself. This form is useful when describing information or circumstances becoming easier to understand.
Eso "Eso" means "that" and refers to the approach described in the previous statement. It is the subject of "Eso parece práctico". A useful pattern is using "Eso" to comment on a previously mentioned idea or situation.
parece "parece" means seems or appears and softens the speaker’s assessment of the approach. The citation form is parecer; parece is used in "Eso parece práctico". A useful pattern is "parece + adjective" when giving a measured opinion.
práctico "práctico" means practical, describing the approach as workable or useful. It appears in "parece práctico". This expression is useful when evaluating a plan without making an overly strong claim.
siempre que In "siempre que los comentarios lleguen pronto", the whole expression means "as long as" or "provided that" and introduces a condition. "siempre" contributes the idea of an ongoing requirement, while "que" introduces the condition clause. A useful pattern is "siempre que + clause" when stating the condition for an agreement.
comentarios "comentarios" means comments or feedback, here the feedback expected during the early period. The citation form is comentario; comentarios is the plural form used here. A useful workplace pattern is "los comentarios lleguen pronto" when discussing timely feedback.
lleguen "lleguen" means arrive or come, here describing feedback reaching the employee early. The citation form is llegar; lleguen is used in the condition introduced by "siempre que". A useful pattern is "que + feedback + llegue" when stating when feedback should arrive.
pronto "pronto" means soon or early, here meaning early in the process rather than after formal reviews. It appears in "lleguen pronto". This word is useful when emphasizing timely action or communication.
esperan In "Se esperan comentarios", "esperan" means are expected. The citation form is esperar; with "se", the sentence presents the comments as an expectation without naming who expects them. A useful pattern is "se esperan + noun".
desde "desde" means from or since and marks the starting point in time in "desde el principio". It is useful for saying that something applies beginning at a particular moment.
principio "principio" means beginning or start, here the beginning of the person’s time in the organization. It appears in "desde el principio". This expression is useful when emphasizing that something applies from the very start.
no "no" means "not" and helps form the contrast "no solo durante las evaluaciones formales". It negates the idea that feedback is limited to formal reviews. A useful pattern is "no solo + phrase" when adding a broader point.
solo In "no solo durante las evaluaciones formales", "solo" means only or just. It limits the time when feedback might be given, and "no solo" rejects that limitation. This pattern is useful when saying that something applies in more than one situation.
durante "durante" means during and marks the period of the formal evaluations in "durante las evaluaciones formales". It is useful before a noun phrase to identify the time period in which something happens.
formales "formales" means formal and describes the evaluations that take place as official review events. The citation form is formal; formales is the plural form used with "evaluaciones". The expression "evaluaciones formales" is useful when contrasting official reviews with earlier, ongoing feedback.

Grammar Points

se evalúa

El desempeño se evalúa con evaluaciones y resultados.

ehl deh-sem-PEH-nyoh seh eh-bah-LOO-ah kohn eh-bah-loo-ah-SYOH-nehs ee reh-sool-TAH-dohs.

Performance is evaluated with reviews and results.

se + verb expresses a passive or impersonal idea without naming who evaluates the performance.

a medida que + oración

A medida que el contexto se aclara, los responsables ajustan las expectativas.

ah meh-DEE-dah keh ehl kohn-TEHKS-toh seh ah-KLAH-rah, lohs reh-spohn-SAH-blehs ah-HOOS-tahn lahs eks-pehk-tah-TEE-bahs.

As the context becomes clearer, the responsible people adjust expectations.

a medida que introduces a gradual change: one action develops as another situation changes.

Spanish Vocabulary

colaboración noun
koh-lah-boh-rah-SYOHN collaboration
criterio noun
kreh-TEH-ryoh judgment
desempeño noun
deh-sem-PEH-nyoh performance
engañosos adj
en-gah-NYOH-sohs misleading
equilibrio noun
eh-kee-LEE-bree-oh balance
evaluaciones noun
eh-bah-loo-ah-SYOH-nehs reviews; evaluations
evitar verb
eh-bee-TAHR to avoid
por sí solos phrase
por SEE SOH-lohs alone; by themselves
premiar verb
preh-MYAHR to reward
resultados noun
reh-sool-TAH-dohs outcomes; results
se evalúa verb
seh eh-bah-LOO-ah is evaluated
tener en cuenta phrase
teh-NEHR en KWEHN-tah to take into account; to consider

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

reviews; evaluations

Show Answerevaluaciones

collaboration

Show Answercolaboración

judgment

Show Answercriterio

outcomes; results

Show Answerresultados