How to prepare for your own performance appraisal
It’s hard to like performance appraisals, whether they’re the traditional type or the 3600 version. At one extreme, they're an annual ritual at which bosses or their nominees list a litany of your flaws and then send you away to reduce or eliminate them. At the other extreme, however, they're a wonderful opportunity to discuss openly your job performance with your boss. If you show some initiative, you'll get a great deal from an appraisal interview, as the following points reveal...
1. Become a participant rather than a target.
Resolve to take an active part in any appraisal, preparation being the key. Begin by accumulating evidence of your own performance throughout the year. For example, you might decide to:
- Keep ‘hard’ copies of your contributions, accomplishments, awards, and so on. File cards can be completed daily or weekly to help you to maintain an up-to-date record.
- Regularly update a computer data base set up specifically for that purpose. A scanner will eliminate the need to accumulate hard-copy samples of your work.
- Compile a professional portfolio and a personal achievement list.
- Use a copy of the appraisal form to help structure your presentation. Include an agenda and support materials.
The quality of your preparation will convey the right message to the person conducting the appraisal.
2. Talk to others about their interviews.
Colleagues and workmates will prove to be valuable sources of information to help in your preparation. You might ask them about:
- their impressions of their appraisal interviews - procedures, outcomes, and questions
- the boss’s level of preparedness and specific agenda items
- issues discussed
- follow-up items
- suggested improvements for future interviews.
3. Be prepared to assert your position.
To participate successfully as an equal partner in the discussion, you must assert yourself rather than act submissively. Your assertion skills will be improved if you give some thought to the types of questions you will be asked and practise your responses aloud. You can disagree if you think the boss is wrong, but take issue with the facts, not the boss’s judgement. Be prepared to look on any criticisms as opportunities for improvement.
