What do you do if your performance evaluations reveal areas for improvement as an executive manager?

1 Acknowledge the feedback

The first step to improving your performance as an executive manager is to acknowledge the feedback you receive from your evaluators. Whether it is from your boss, your peers, or your subordinates, feedback is a valuable source of information that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Instead of ignoring, denying, or getting defensive about the feedback, you should thank your evaluators for their honesty and express your willingness to learn and improve. Acknowledging the feedback shows that you respect their opinions and that you are open to change.

3 Make a plan

The third step to improving your performance as an executive manager is to make a plan to address the areas for improvement. You should set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals that outline what you want to achieve, how you will achieve it, and when you will achieve it. You should also identify the resources, support, and strategies that you need to reach your goals. For example, you may need to enroll in a training course, seek mentorship or coaching, or delegate some of your tasks. Making a plan helps you to focus on the actions and outcomes that will improve your performance.

4 Implement the plan

The fourth step to improving your performance as an executive manager is to implement the plan that you have created. You should follow through with your goals and activities and track your progress and results. You should also seek feedback and input from your evaluators and other stakeholders along the way to ensure that you are on the right track and that you are meeting their expectations. Implementing the plan helps you to demonstrate your commitment and effort to improve your performance and to show your results and achievements.

5 Evaluate the plan

The fifth step to improving your performance as an executive manager is to evaluate the plan that you have implemented. You should review your goals and activities and assess whether you have achieved them or not. You should also measure your performance and compare it with the feedback and standards that you received. You should also reflect on your learning and development and identify what worked well and what did not. Evaluating the plan helps you to measure your improvement and to identify further areas for improvement.

6 Celebrate your improvement

The sixth and final step to improving your performance as an executive manager is to celebrate your improvement. You should acknowledge and appreciate your achievements and the progress that you have made. You should also thank your evaluators and other supporters for their feedback and guidance. You should also share your improvement and learning with your team and your organization and inspire them to follow your example. Celebrating your improvement helps you to boost your confidence and motivation and to reinforce your positive behavior and attitude.

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?