What do you do if your clients' progress is not reflected in their performance evaluations?

1 Understand Reality

When clients face less-than-stellar performance evaluations, the first step is to understand the reality of the situation. Encourage them to review their evaluations objectively, identifying any areas of disconnect between their self-perception and the feedback received. It's essential to distinguish between a fair assessment and one that may be influenced by bias or incomplete information. By recognizing the root cause of the discrepancy, you can guide your clients toward addressing it effectively, whether it's improving certain skills or better communicating their achievements.

2 Set Objectives

Once the evaluation has been analyzed, it's time to set clear objectives. Help your clients establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that address the areas of concern highlighted in the evaluation. This process not only provides a roadmap for improvement but also serves as a motivational tool. Your clients will have a clearer understanding of what is expected of them and can work towards tangible outcomes that can be reflected in future evaluations.

3 Gather Evidence

To bridge the gap between actual progress and performance evaluations, clients should gather evidence of their achievements and contributions. Encourage them to document successes, initiatives they've spearheaded, and any positive feedback from colleagues or customers. This portfolio of evidence can be a powerful tool during discussions with supervisors, providing concrete examples that showcase their value to the organization and may have been overlooked previously.

4 Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is key in ensuring that progress is recognized. Your clients need to learn how to articulate their achievements and how they align with the company's goals. This isn't about bragging; it's about confidently sharing their successes in a way that highlights their contribution to the team and the organization. Role-playing and practicing these conversations can help your clients feel more comfortable when it's time to discuss their performance with their managers.

5 Seek Feedback

Encourage your clients to proactively seek feedback throughout the year, not just at evaluation time. Regular check-ins with supervisors can provide insights into how they are perceived and allow them to adjust their approach as needed. This ongoing dialogue can help prevent surprises during formal evaluations and ensures that their efforts are aligned with their supervisor's expectations.

6 Plan Ahead

Finally, it's important for your clients to plan ahead for their next evaluation by setting expectations with their supervisors. They should discuss their goals, how they align with their role, and agree on what success looks like. By having this conversation well in advance, your clients can work towards a shared vision of success and increase the likelihood that their progress will be accurately reflected in their next performance evaluation.