Appraisals need to be a celebration…
The end of year appraisal must not be a form filling exercise it should be a celebration of your achievements throughout the year.
It is an opportunity to spend time with some you work with and discuss performance and development outside of your normal 1:1 catch ups. It is in essence a meeting to record the past years achievements and decide on learning and development needs for the next year. It is also an ideal time to put forward ideas about career development, learning, training and support needs. The appraisal is also all about relationship building, time set aside from the day to day, where you can strengthen bonds and clarify expectations.
It is a big conversation, a meaningful time to connect with the person who monitors your performance. This is the time you want some-one to really see you, not just tangible achievements but those intangible moments where there was a shift in your performance.
The reliance on a form which may or may not have metrics, brings a sense of dread to the line manager conducting the appraisal and to the appraisee. Think about answering the key questions below to give you prompts to a Big Chat:-
- What have I done over the last year?
- What went well & what could I have done differently?
- What do I want to do next year?
- How do I get there?
- My learning and development plan
Remember this is the Big Chat and it is your appraisal. Take time to think about what you want to talk about. Share your achievements and feedback you have received. This is a time for you to shine and celebrate who you are and what you bring. Be honest about your ambitions and the support you need to get there, think beyond the organisation. Enjoy the experience
Please do get in touch for a 90 minute workshop on delivering effective appraisals with the emphasis being on the “Big Chat” – bev@nuggetsoflearning.co.uk
