State Department Updates Diplomat Evaluation Process

The State Department has introduced a revised system for annual performance reviews of U.S. diplomats. Supervisors must now assign numerical ratings and answer specific questions about employee performance. The department says the changes are intended to make evaluations more data-driven and to identify top performers as well as those who may need additional instruction.

Officials stated that the previous system often produced inflated ratings that made it difficult to distinguish between employees.

Background on the Changes The revisions were rolled out earlier this year as part of a broader effort to make the department more responsive to global developments. Under the new format, supervisors provide concise written answers rather than longer narrative assessments.

The American Foreign Service Association, which represents the affected diplomats, has raised concerns that the new system may create unnecessary competition and reduce fairness in promotion decisions.

Supervisors must submit their assessments by May 29.

Promotion review panels are scheduled to meet over the following two months. State Department employees interviewed for the report said the previous system needed improvement but differed on whether the new format will produce better outcomes. Some noted that prior reviews were sometimes too long, while others worried the new brevity could make it harder to differentiate candidates.