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Performance Review - Are You Prepared?
Brigitte Kimichik • Dec 20, 2019
The Dreaded Performance Review - Are You Prepared?
Chances are, you are invested in the company and you care about your career. If this is true, your performance review is a very important opportunity for you to understand your status within the company and your progress to date. Are you on track for promotion? Are there are any improvements you should be considering as you mature through the ranks? Your review is where your superiors should be telling you how you are doing, if there are any reservations, and what changes you will need to make, if any, to stay on track for promotion.
It is also an important time for you to communicate your goals, how your role may have changed, and your successes. Ask questions and be proactive. This is your career and your future. Candid communications with superiors regarding expectations and goals is necessary and critical to promote a healthy growth environment and a successful career at the company.
How should you prepare? First, take the evaluation process seriously. Understand your job requirements and conduct a self-evaluation to determine if you are satisfying goals and what you might need in training or management assistance to get back on track or to move to the next level. Keep a record of any accomplishments over the past year on transactions and matters you worked on and promote your contributions and accomplishments in a professional manner. If you received any accolades from customers, make sure to mention them or provide a copy. If you were a significant contributor on larger transactions, ask your superior on those matters to provide his or her compliments in writing for you to share with management. If your company seeks evaluations from superior colleagues in connection with your review, pick superiors who know you well and care about your progression in the company and superiors outside of your work area who you have assisted in emergencies and who have applauded your efforts. Ideally, keep management updated regularly throughout the year.
If you receive negative feedback in your review, stay calm and attentive. Make sure you understand what changes should have been made and commit to adjust accordingly. Ask for clarification, if needed, or provide your reasoning for the work, if you believe your review person is mistaken on important facts governing your work project.
As you progress, remember that every project you undertake should be completed to the best of your ability. It only takes one superior with a negative impression to have an impact on your reviews and your future at the firm. If a superior is not satisfied with your work product, make every effort to set the project right. Gently demand the feedback you need to understand expectations.
Be kind, respectful and courteous in your communications. Dress professionally and maintain an organized and neat office. Remember that what you do and how you act is a reflection upon you and an indirect reflection upon the company.
Finally, “quid pro quo” is never acceptable! If your superior asks for sexual favors in exchange for a positive review, promotion, or raise, he or she has violated the law. For more on this important topic visit us at www.thesandboxseries.com.
We wish you the best for your review!
#MeToo #TimesUp #respectwomenatwork #humanresources #beanupstander
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