07/01/2014
Previous | Next | Career Corner Home | Health | Issues | Personal Finance
Just the thought of the annual performance review makes everyone tremble. Some even start to reflect and ask themselves if they did a great job within the last 12 months of their career. Not only it is time consuming, but the fact that you have to wait to find out how you have been can also be really stressful, unless you are too confident to disagree with your employer's evaluation. Evidently, it will be an advantage on your part if you take a hard look on your performance before your boss does. You need to be honest enough to be able to evaluate yourself from your boss's perception. You called in sick last month; your colleague may think it is just and fair to do that since you had a very important thing to attend to or you were really sick, but would your boss think that way, too?
You too have a voice, but when it is time for your annual assessment, it is not the one that counts. You need to assess if you have made good decisions about your performance based on what your manager thinks is good or bad. You may not control how your boss views you as an employee, but you can certainly take control of your performance -- in that way, your boss will see you in a different light; a more positive light than before. It is time to stop feeling helpless. Make great and noticeable changes. We have identified the five simple steps on how you can take more control of your career. Here are the following:
1. Keep in mind that your attitude is as important as your performance in the office. It can be easily manifested through punctuality, dressing appropriately, dealing with others with courtesy and respect, helping out, or calling in sick as a courtesy to your boss.
2. If you want to be successful, let your boss know about it. Ask for his expert opinion on working styles that would best suit you. Tell him that you can perform a weekly performance review if he is too busy to do it for you. Remember that self-promotion will take you places, just don't overdo it.
3. Be reflective and take time to think about your job performance. While it is best to focus on your strengths, it won't hurt to assess your weaknesses and plan a strategy overcome them.
4. Find out your boss' expectations and get the opinion of your colleagues. Sometimes all you need to know is how others perceive you other than your boss in order to make positive changes in your work style.
5. Be a team player; strive to help those who need your help and work with them towards achieving a common goal. Welcome new ideas and motivate others to be the best that they can be.
These are the five basic steps on how to evaluate your own performance. Making a career assessment can be really challenging but as long as you follow these easy steps; you will be on your way towards creating a satisfying career.
Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Center, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States and Europe..
© 2014 Cecile PeterkinThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.