5 Steps to Take After Your Performance Evaluation

Many companies and businesses implement a regular review process to evaluate employee performance. Employees often look upon these as a necessary evil to be dreaded and then moved past as quickly as possible.

But, like all aspects of our work experience, a small shift in the way we view and respond to the performance evaluation can bring significant value to our careers.

Here are five things to do after you’ve gone through the performance evaluation process.

Avoid defensiveness. This is a critical first step and it can help us take further action to improve our work performance. It is difficult to take criticism and often our first response is to disagree with the assessments of others, including our supervisor, or to make excuses for our failure to meet a goal. Instead, resolve to listen, avoid a defensive response, and take the time to really understand the feedback. You just might learn something valuable about yourself.

Get specific. While you seek to understand the areas you need to improve at work, get as specific as possible. It provides little in the way of insight to suggest that you need to improve your communication skills. What are we talking about here? Do you need to be clearer about what you need in your emails? Or is this about face-to-face meetings with clients? Or perhaps your manager believes you need improvement when speaking in front of large groups. Gain as much detail as possible to help you get specific about the areas you need to improve.

Take on new tasks. Once you’ve gotten specific volunteer to take on new tasks or responsibilities that will help you gain experience and improve your skills in the areas identified through the evaluation process. Be focused on those areas of the project that will help you gain new skills and strengthen your weaknesses.

Get additional training. In addition, seek out workshops, conferences, and other training opportunities to improve the skills you need to work on. Speak to your manager for recommendations, as well.

Set personal goals. Take some time to develop some personal goals as response to your performance review. These goals can be about anything from a promotion you’re seeking to some specific skills you want to acquire, or a degree or diploma that will help your career.

Taking these steps will help you gain the most from a formal performance review process at work.