How Are You Really Performing At Work?

You just had the annual review from your supervisor and everything was wonderful. Feedback given was high-level and scrubbed to avoid any ill feelings. But does it sound similar to what you were told last year? Is this feedback what you needed to hear? Will it help you meet career objectives? Will it help you keep your job in times of lay-off or industry downturn? How are you really perceived at work? What should you be doing to maximize your career potential? rnFollowing are six steps to take in getting real, actionable feedback at work and turning it into solid results. 1. Look in the mirror. Think through what you know to be true and what you think is true about your performance at work. Also list what people have said about you. Be as objective as possible. See yourself from your supervisor’s perspective and ask yourself how he or she should rate you. Develop an open mind to receiving feedback. In this world of variables, you are the only one you can change. 2. Expectations. Clearly understand what is expected of you. Determine what must be done to meet those expectations. Ask for specific examples of desired knowledge, skills and behavior. 3. Determine basic career goals, desires, and what is needed to accomplish them. Example: If achieving career goals means obtaining more education, are you willing to do it? If not, perhaps it’s time to reconsider. If you hope to stay within the same organization long term but in different capacities, you will likely need to show continuous improvement in your current role before other options are truly feasible. 4. Ask for help. Seek help from managers and peers alike in how you can improve performance in your current role. Many people do not do this, but if done well can yield important information. Keep it short, simple, and you will be amazed at people’s willingness to give good feedback. 5. Own responsibility for your career. You are responsible for your career. Many look to their supervisor or depend upon their employer “take care of them.” Write specific objectives and how you plan to achieve them. Decide how you need to improve and how you’ll make that happen. When you take control of the situation, and responsibility for your own career development, it is liberating! 6. Follow-up. Periodically tell those you contacted that you are working on the objectives developed per their feedback. Thank them again for the feedback they provided, and avoid being defensive. rnTaking this kind of initiative will get you valuable feedback, and help you achieve career goals. But these kind of behaviors are so rare, they will also help you get noticed in a positive way and support a positive perception of you at work.