Andrew Mina

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‘That time of the month’ is connected to approx. 50% of the population, but ‘that time of the year’ can be connected to all of us. Yes, your annual appraisal. You know that conversation which has some wonder am I getting ‘let go’ or ‘getting a bonus’.

There are two things to keep in mind with an annual appraisal. Firstly, that it actually it is not really annual event, but really it is a daily, weekly even monthly event. But what it really is a summary of the year that was. An appraisal should be a celebration of the work done in the preseeding time period. It should be about looking at what was achieved, looking at how the year evolved and looking at what was put to one side and what wasn’t completed. Finally, set out the year to come.

Secondly, the appraisal is just as much a reflection on the employee as it is of the manager. How did both parties go at explaining, adjusting, opening dialogue around the goals and targets that have been set. How have both of you navigated the year? What did you learn about your working relationship and what can you strengthen this year and what do you need to change?

I didn’t have my first appraisal until I was in my early thirties and I didn’t know what to really expect but my manager walked me through it with kindness and grace. No Red Queen (aka the Queen of Hearts) from ‘Alice in Wonderland’ screaming “off with his/her head!”  But sadly, I think some of us may have experienced this.

“Research indicates that workers have three prime needs: Interesting work, recognition for doing a good job, and being let in on things that are going on in the company.”

Zig Ziglar

My advice: remember the goals and objectives you have set , keep them front and centre, know what steps to take to achieve them, keep notes for yourself on how things are progressing, dialogue with your manager regularly and seek clarification about how the whole process works from your manager, HR and listen out for how the C-suit talks about appraisals.

Hopefully, you will experience less ‘off with their heads’ and more of the onwards and upwards. Go on, be brave ask your questions today you many have about appraisals.

In the comments below, it would be great for you to share how you handle appraisal and what you have done to make the experience a plus to you, your team and your organization.