What do you do if your performance evaluation doesn't align with your personal brand?

1 Reflect Honestly

Take a step back and reflect on the evaluation objectively. This is a chance to identify gaps between how you perceive your brand and how others perceive your performance. Consider the feedback carefully; it may highlight areas for improvement that you've overlooked. Use this as a constructive tool to refine your skills and work habits. Remember, self-awareness is a critical component of personal branding, and this reflection can help you grow and adapt.

2 Seek Clarity

If anything in your evaluation is unclear or seems to contradict your understanding of your performance, seek clarification. Schedule a meeting with your evaluator to discuss the specifics of their feedback. Approach the conversation with a mindset of understanding rather than defensiveness. This dialogue can provide insights into how your actions are interpreted by others and how you can better align your performance with your personal brand.

3 Plan Strategically

After understanding the discrepancies, create a strategic plan to address them. This may involve setting specific goals, acquiring new skills, or adjusting how you present your work. Your plan should be actionable and measurable, with clear steps that will help bridge the gap between your performance and your personal brand. This strategic approach shows that you're proactive about your professional development and committed to maintaining a strong personal brand.

4 Communicate Changes

As you make changes based on your evaluation, communicate these to your supervisors and colleagues. Share your goals and the steps you're taking to improve. This transparency can change perceptions and demonstrate that you're serious about aligning your performance with your personal brand. Effective communication is a cornerstone of public relations, and it's equally important when managing your personal brand within your organization.

5 Gather Feedback

Continuously seek feedback as you implement changes. This doesn't have to be formal—casual conversations can also provide valuable insights. Use this ongoing feedback to tweak and refine your approach. By showing that you're open to constructive criticism and willing to adapt, you reinforce a personal brand that's committed to excellence and continuous improvement.

6 Maintain Consistency

Finally, ensure that the changes you make are consistent and sustained over time. Consistency is key in reinforcing your personal brand and demonstrating that the adjustments you've made are genuine. By consistently aligning your performance with your personal brand, you'll rebuild trust and confidence among your peers and supervisors, solidifying the professional image you aim to project.

7 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?