Performance Appraisals

An annual performance appraisal is intended to be an opportunity for employers to discuss ways of motivating and developing their employees and to help with the resolution of any issues that may have arisen over the last year. However, it is very easy for an employee to end up dreading the mere thought of a performance appraisal, seeing it instead as the opportunity for a manager to criticise them and generally express their dissatisfaction. This can be damaging for their morale and self-motivation and thus it is important for both parties that performance appraisals are managed effectively.

Preparation

You should be informed of the date of your performance appraisal in plenty of time to enable you to prepare fully. You will be at a distinct advantage if you have kept an accurate record of your performance over the previous year in terms of target achievement and any personal contributions that you feel deserve recognition. Highlight any challenges that you have had to deal with including details of exactly how you managed to overcome them. It will also be useful to remind yourself of your job description so that you can ensure that you have in fact carried out all of your responsibilities. Any areas where you have not been particularly successful can then be discussed with your manager at the performance appraisal so that you can work together to improve this in the future.

Maximise your career development

Your annual appraisal is not the only time when your career performance will be under scrutiny; your performance is in fact under continual assessment throughout the year so it is important to ensure that you perform to the best of your ability at all times. Make sure that you take part in any training courses or workshops available to you in order to broaden your skills and knowledge. Also, there may be professional qualifications you can undertake which will help boost your performance. It is important to be seen by your employer as someone who is keen to contribute to the business while also being committed to personal development. Remember to bring records of all the training you have completed throughout the year to your annual appraisal.

Recognise your own achievements

You will be able to assess your own performance and achievements over the previous year by reading through the report from your last appraisal. Highlight where you have achieved the targets set for you by your manager and use these to identify what your possible objectives could be for the forthcoming year. It is important for you and your manager that these objectives are realistic in order to maintain your performance standards and minimise the risk of loss of motivation.

Discuss your career aspirations

A performance appraisal is the perfect opportunity to discuss with your manager how you anticipate your career developing in the future and, where possible, how the company can help you to achieve this. Your manager may be able to offer you further training opportunities or help in the preparation of an action plan to facilitate your ongoing development and progression.

What not to discuss

Ideally, you should avoid bringing up any serious grievances you may have and your employer in turn should not discuss disciplinary matters. If these subjects are broached they can distract from the main purpose of the meeting, and it is possible that the performance appraisal may not be as productive or your development needs may not be ascertained. However, you can discuss general concerns or issues relating to the company and your specific department if you feel that these are relevant to your performance and development.

Accept criticism

If voiced appropriately, criticism from your manager can in fact make a positive contribution to your career development. Between you, you can identify your weaknesses and then work together towards overcoming them. As long as any criticism you face is constructive and justifiable, you should respond professionally and accept that your manager is trying to help you to improve your performance.

A performance appraisal is the perfect opportunity for you to build a positive relationship with your manager and to ensure that you both have an understanding of the direction you wish your career to take and how best to achieve this. Be prepared to discuss your successes and to take on board feedback on any areas of underperformance as this is all aimed at enhancing your career development.

Main Menu

Free Careers Advice