What do you do if your performance evaluations are hindering your growth as a digital professional?

1 Identify the root cause

The first step is to understand why your performance evaluations are hindering your growth. Is it because they are too vague, too harsh, too infrequent, or too irrelevant to your actual work? Is it because they are based on outdated or unrealistic criteria, or because they are influenced by biases or politics? Is it because they don't align with your personal goals, values, or aspirations? By identifying the root cause, you can better address the issue and communicate your concerns to your manager or HR.

2 Seek feedback from other sources

If your performance evaluations are not giving you the information and guidance you need to grow, you can look for feedback from other sources. For example, you can ask your peers, clients, mentors, or industry experts for their honest opinions and suggestions on your work. You can also use online tools, courses, or assessments to measure and improve your skills and knowledge. By seeking feedback from other sources, you can gain a broader and more accurate perspective on your strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for improvement.

3 Set your own goals and metrics

Another way to overcome the limitations of your performance evaluations is to set your own goals and metrics for your growth. You can define what success means to you, and what skills, knowledge, or projects you want to pursue or achieve. You can also track and measure your progress and results using data, evidence, or testimonials. By setting your own goals and metrics, you can take charge of your own learning and development, and demonstrate your value and potential to your employer.

4 Negotiate your expectations and needs

If you want to change or improve your performance evaluations, you need to negotiate your expectations and needs with your manager or HR. You can prepare a clear and convincing case for why and how your performance evaluations should be different, and what benefits they would bring to you and the organization. You can also propose specific solutions or alternatives, such as changing the frequency, format, criteria, or feedback method of your evaluations. By negotiating your expectations and needs, you can create a more constructive and supportive evaluation process.

5 Seek new opportunities and challenges

Finally, if your performance evaluations are still hindering your growth, you may need to seek new opportunities and challenges elsewhere. You can look for internal or external projects, roles, or collaborations that match your interests, skills, and goals. You can also network with other digital professionals, join communities, or attend events that can help you learn, grow, and showcase your work. By seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can expand your horizons and possibilities, and find more fulfillment and recognition in your career.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?