What do you do if your performance evaluation in Internal Communications is negative?

1 Accept Feedback

When faced with a negative review, your first instinct might be to defend your work, but it's crucial to take a step back and listen. Acknowledge the feedback without taking it personally and understand that it is meant to guide you towards better performance. Ask for specific examples to clarify any points of contention and show a willingness to understand the perspective of your evaluators. This openness demonstrates professionalism and a genuine interest in improving your internal communications skills.

2 Set Objectives

After absorbing the initial feedback, it's time to set clear, achievable objectives for improvement. Work with your manager or a mentor to identify key areas where you can enhance your performance. Whether it's improving your email communication, being more proactive in meetings, or developing better campaign strategies, setting specific goals will give you a roadmap to success. Remember, these goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

3 Plan of Action

With your objectives in place, develop a detailed plan of action. This might include attending workshops, seeking mentorship, or allocating more time to project planning. Prioritize tasks that will have the most significant impact on your performance and set deadlines to keep yourself accountable. By breaking down your improvement strategy into actionable steps, you'll make the process more manageable and less daunting.

4 Communicate Progress

Keep the lines of communication open with your supervisors as you work on your improvement plan. Regular updates on your progress not only show that you're taking the evaluation seriously but also provide an opportunity for additional feedback and guidance. This can be through formal reports or casual conversations, but the key is to be proactive and transparent about your journey to better performance in internal communications.

6 Seek Support

Remember, you don't have to navigate this process alone. Seek support from colleagues, mentors, or professional networks. These individuals can provide valuable insights, share their own experiences, and offer encouragement when you need it most. Building a support system not only helps you improve but also strengthens your relationships within the workplace, which is an essential aspect of successful internal communications.