No need to dread the “day of reckoning” with these helpful tips from Robert Hosking
Itâs that time of year again. The prospect of your annual review has you on edge, but it doesnât have to be that way. Though performance appraisals are prime opportunities to discuss accomplishments, career paths and areas for improvement, receiving constructive criticism from the boss can be stressful. The good news is that you can actually prepare for a performance review, which will help you feel more in control.
Here are some ways to get ready for that big day and to brace yourself for any negative feedback that may come your way.
1. Make a list of the good
Take stock of your achievements over the past year and put them down on paper. Have you assumed any responsibilities not in your job description? Received stellar comments from colleagues and customers? Attained a Microsoft Office certification and upgraded your Excel skills? Planned an amazing office party? Your boss may ask for a self-evaluation before the performance appraisal. If not, be prepared to mention several accomplishments during the meeting.
2. Be a go-getter
An annual review is more than just a time of constructive criticism and kudos. Itâs also a prime opportunity for you to make requests, especially if youâve been doing a great job. Is there a training course you really want to take, or a conference that will help you become a more productive office professional? Would flexitime or working from home one day a week improve your job satisfaction without impinging on productivity? Do your extra duties merit a promotion and pay raise? You wonât get it unless you ask.
3. Make a list of the not-so-good
We all have room for improvement. After all, life would be pretty boring if you had nothing more to learn. Gear up by knowing your weaknesses. Perhaps your PowerPoint presentations look amateurish, or you know your desk could be more organized. Mention these âgrowth areasâ during the performance appraisal and come up with tangible ways to upgrade your technical and soft skills.
4. Calm the jitters
The performance review is not an inquisition. Rather, it is a two-way conversation between professionals who share common goals. As with a job interview, you will feel calmer and surer of yourself if you anticipate constructive criticism and practice your responses. Resolve to listen to your supervisor with an open mind and positive attitude when itâs time for the real thing.
5. Brace yourself for negatives
Constructive criticism is a natural, healthy part of any balanced appraisal process, but it can be hard for employees to hear. The wrong response: defensiveness, hypersensitivity or denial. The right response: listen to the feedback with a professional attitude. Then ask clarification questions and be open to learning more about how you can improve in your job. Be open-minded about your managerâs suggestions for personal or professional development. If you donât feel in control of your emotions during a negative performance review, ask for some time to digest the information, organize your thoughts and respond to the evaluation after further reflection.
Instead of sulking, show your professionalism by thanking your boss for the feedback. Reassure him or her of your commitment to the job, company goals and expectations for your role.
6. Donât be a stranger
Your performance appraisal shouldnât be a time for unpleasant surprises. A good way to anticipate and even head off criticism of your work is to solicit regular feedback. Donât mistakenly assume no news is good news: in addition to tracking your own progress, ask for bi-weekly or monthly meetings to touch base. Job improvement should be a year-round process, not a one-time deal.
Although itâs not the most fun aspect of your administrative job, the annual review is an important tool designed to help employees grow and develop â both as individuals and as part of a team. Take constructive criticism as a positive sign that your boss wants you to improve professionally, a goal you both share. Be a fully engaged participant in your performance appraisal, and you will gain clear insights into how to make the upcoming year even better than the last.