Appraisal

Happy Friday!

Welcome to this edition of “Appraisals” (#249).

As we approach the year's end, many of us have the important task of completing performance appraisals, specifically self-reviews. This task can be daunting, and it's common to procrastinate. Today, I’d like to share some F.A.C.T.S. to help you approach and complete your self-review effectively.

F: Factual

It’s critically important to be authentic and factual in your self-evaluation. Stick to the facts using real data. Consider employing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe your contributions throughout the year. Start by identifying specific situations and tasks you were involved with, then detail the actions you took and the results that followed. This structured format helps in presenting a clear and concise narrative of your achievements and improvements.

For instance, if you were part of a major project that improved team productivity, describe the initial challenges (Situation), your role in the project (Task), the steps you took to address issues (Action), and the measurable outcomes, such as improved efficiency or cost savings (Result).

A: Appropriate

Just like life has its ups and downs, your work year likely comprised both successful and less successful projects. It’s important to evaluate your contributions based on your efforts and impact, rather than solely on the project's outcome. You may have played a minor role in a highly successful project, or you might have significantly contributed to a project that didn’t turn out as planned. Rate yourself based on your individual contributions.

Consider a situation where you worked tirelessly on a project that didn’t meet its goals. Outline your specific efforts and innovations, reflecting your commitment and skill, even if the project faced unforeseen challenges.?

C: Change Management

As the popular adage goes, "Change is the only constant in life." Over the past year, you likely encountered significant changes in your work environment. It’s essential to highlight how you managed and navigated these changes in your appraisal. Describe the strategies you employed to handle challenges and resolve conflicts. Demonstrating adaptability and resilience showcases your ability to thrive in evolving circumstances.

For example, if your team structure changed mid-year, explain how you adapted to new responsibilities, supported your colleagues, and maintained productivity. Share specific instances where your proactive approach helped in smooth transitions.?

T: Transform?

Self-transformation and team transformation are crucial aspects of your professional journey. Reflect on how you’ve grown personally and professionally over the year. Identify new skills you’ve acquired, innovative processes you’ve introduced, or how you’ve helped your team improve. This section demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and leadership.

Think about moments when you led a training session, mentored a colleague, or introduced a new workflow that increased efficiency. Detail how these actions contributed to your growth and the betterment of your team.

S: Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is the cornerstone of a meaningful appraisal. Take a step back and introspect on your journey. What have you learned? How have your experiences shaped your professional persona? This self-awareness allows you to set realistic goals for the future and align them with your career aspirations.

Consider sharing a personal anecdote or lesson learned that significantly impacted your approach to work. This not only humanizes your appraisal but also shows your ability to learn and evolve.

I leave you with this insightful quote to inspire your journey of self-reflection: “We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.”?—?John Dewey

?Have a reflective and productive self-appraisal season!

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