Making The Grade

 

 

It’s that time of year again, job performance review. Or, if you care to think of it in these terms, it’s “report card” time. Your boss has made an appointment on his calendar for you to talk about your performance in customer service. If you have butterflies in your stomach just thinking of your upcoming review, here’s some thoughts to get you through it.

 

First of all, what is the purpose of a performance review anyways? It really isn’t about how many bad things your boss can say about you and your work. It’s actually a chance to discuss and review the results of your work and the process you went though to get the results. It increases the line of communication between your boss and yourself and what their expectations are. Your problem solving ability, attitude, professionalism and other areas of your job also may be discussed. So how can you help the review go smoothly?

 

Become familiar with the review process. Once you understand how it works then that’s half the battle. One thing is to have documentation of your accomplishments. You’re the one doing the work so keeping track may give you a better performance review and even a possible raise. Make a habit of writing down what you’ve done each day such as any problems that were encountered that you solved successfully. If a customer compliments you on a well done job, ask them to put it in writing and keep it in a file. Figure out what you’ve accomplished since your last review and how your boss benefited from it. List anything that you would like to discuss at the review.

 

What happens if you get constructive criticism on your review? If you do get criticism on your review, listen carefully. Try not to get offended or upset if you don’t like what you’re hearing. Make sure you wait and look at your review objectively. No one likes criticism but if what was said was constructive, think about it and whether you can learn from it. Make the feedback as useful as possible to you. If the ideas were concrete and workable ideas for improvement, use them.

 

What if you feel the review was unjust? First make an appointment to discuss the review with the person who did it. Present anything in writing you have to back you up. Use examples that counteract any criticisms that were made. If any of the points were correct, acknowledge them. Be polite but express your concerns.

 

So what does each person take away from a performance review? Your boss will have a better understanding of how you work and your abilities. You’ll have a better understanding of the expectations that comes with your job. A win-win on both sides!

 

Comments, as always, are welcome.

 

By Linda Lee Ruzicka

 

Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Decending Darkness, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She is a Affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association. She also does freelances work for Beyond and for CSJobs.com. More of her blogs can be found at CSJobsblog.com.