What do you do if your design skills and achievements are overlooked during a performance evaluation?

1 Identify the root cause

Before you react, try to understand why your design skills and achievements are overlooked during a performance evaluation. Is it because your manager or employer has a different perspective or expectation of your role and responsibilities? Is it because they lack the knowledge or appreciation of design as a discipline and a value proposition? Is it because they have a bias or preference for other types of skills or achievements? Or is it because they have a personal or professional issue with you or your work? Knowing the root cause can help you decide how to address it effectively and constructively.

2 Communicate your value

One of the best ways to demonstrate your design skills and achievements is to communicate your value clearly and consistently. This means not only showcasing your final deliverables, but also explaining your design process, methods, tools, and outcomes. Use data, feedback, testimonials, and case studies to support your claims and show how your design solutions solve problems, meet needs, and create value for your clients or customers. Don't wait until the performance evaluation to share your successes; make it a habit to update your manager or employer regularly on your progress and impact.

3 Seek feedback and support

Another way to improve your recognition and reward is to seek feedback and support from different sources. Ask your manager or employer for specific and constructive feedback on your performance, strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Listen to their opinions and suggestions, but also challenge them respectfully if you disagree or have evidence to the contrary. Seek feedback and support from your peers, mentors, clients, or customers as well. They can provide you with different perspectives, insights, and testimonials that can validate and enhance your design skills and achievements.

4 Negotiate your expectations

If you feel that your design skills and achievements are overlooked during a performance evaluation, you may need to negotiate your expectations with your manager or employer. This means setting clear and realistic goals, objectives, and metrics for your work and your career development. It also means discussing and agreeing on the criteria, standards, and rewards for your performance evaluation. Negotiating your expectations can help you align your vision and values with those of your manager or employer, and ensure that you are on the same page about what constitutes success and recognition.

5 Explore other opportunities

Finally, if you feel that your design skills and achievements are consistently overlooked during a performance evaluation, and you have tried all the previous tips without success, you may want to explore other opportunities. This could mean looking for a different role, project, or team within your organization that values and supports your design skills and achievements. It could also mean looking for a new job, career, or industry that offers more opportunities and rewards for your design skills and achievements. Exploring other opportunities can help you find a better fit and a happier work environment.

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?