It’s that time of the year when all the hard work of the past months is scrutinised under a microscope. While some look forward to their performance reviews and appraisals with anticipation, others shy away from the process, not knowing what to expect.
Irrespective of which side of the court you are on, the truth is that appraisals are never a one-way communication. Like all your other career moves, you can steer the appraisal in your favour by taking a planned approach. Here’s what you can do:
Ask yourself why you’re here
Does your job figure on your career roadmap? Do you enjoy pushing yourself at work? The appraisal could be the perfect excuse to propel yourself to that dream position in the company. However, if the job is only a stopgap arrangement, it’s time to consider better options that may be available to you.
Set the context first
Why let your manager surprise you on the day of the appraisal? Introspect and assess your performance objectively. Are there any areas you were advised to work on? If yes, how has your progress been thereafter? Cite instances where you displayed a clear improvement since the feedback was given, so you can inform your manager accordingly during the review.
Request feedback
Giving feedback can be tricky, unless the concerned parties chalk out a timely mechanism. After all, feedback that is given long after a task is completed can hinder your chances of getting a better appraisal and affect your team’s productivity.
Sit with your manager and engage in a short conversation about the quality of your work every now and then.
List your objectives
What is your expectation from your performance appraisal? A faster climb up the organisation ladder? A sense of security about your career and future in the company? Probe into the opportunities for learning and development that the job might offer you in future. Be proactive and ask your manager about the things you could do to better your performance.
Be prepared
Before the appraisal meeting, keep your facts ready so you can show your boss the different milestones you have achieved in your role over a period of time. Maintain a record of the various tasks you’ve been assigned and the projects you’ve been part of. If possible, take along samples of your work and feedback from a client or co-worker about your contributions and involvement in project management and execution. Also, let your boss know clearly what you expect out of the discussion and set clear goals for the future.
Pursue diligently
Take notes of the appraisal discussion you had with your manager. This will help you focus on weak areas and meet key targets during the year. Reach out to your superiors, thank them for their support and let them know how the appraisal helped you. You could also tell them about the things that are working for you and your action plan.
Remember that a good appraisal is never the finish line. While you may have lived up to or even exceeded expectations until now, the appraisal just set higher standards for you to reach. Take feedback positively and strive hard to outdo yourself the next year as well.