Recognition For Your Hard Work Starts With A Self-Assessment

By Brian Maynor

 

When we are tasked with composing a self-assessment, it’s easy to focus on the areas for improvement and further development, but often we overlook all or most of our accomplishments. This is probably the worst thing we can do for our careers and ourselves.

Talking about our accomplishments doesn’t come easily to everyone, just like self-promotion and networking, it feels uncomfortable to ‘brag’ on who we are and what we’ve done. Unfortunately it’s an unavoidable circumstance that is growing in importance every day.

Self-assessments are a common factor of performance reviews, and in the ever-changing landscape of companies you need to stand out not only to your immediate boss, but to the higher-ups as well. No one is going to advocate for you, and when it comes to promotions; layoffs, and mergers you want to rise to the top. Here are a few points to keep in mind that will make your self-assessments easier to write and actually more accurate:

1.    It starts with documentation. I don’t know about you, but it’s hard for me to remember what I was doing last week, let alone months ago without some kind of reminder. Documenting your accomplishments as they happen is a best practice every professional should employ because it is a useful tool in general, not just for reviews and assessments. Some of the most useful items coaches suggest we document are: goals met; obstacles overcome; positive feedback as well as coaching and mentoring opportunities and leadership roles. Whether you do this on a daily or weekly basis is up to you, but you should make it part of your office routine.

2.    Focus on what matters most. Have no doubt that after tracking your accomplishments over the course of a year you will have quite a long list. Obviously you won’t be able to include all of them, so when it comes time to decide what makes the cut review your job description, company goals and your career goals to see what aligns most directly. If you’re not sure you can always run your ideas by your boss ahead of time to see if you left anything out.

3.    Practice. Writing down your accomplishments is one thing, but sometimes it’s awkward to actually talk about them face-to-face. If you’re already inclined to downplay yourself, you need to practice with a friend or colleague. If that is not an option, stand in front of a mirror and talk to yourself. The goal is to create a story of your year that is passionate, energetic and authentic. You also need to practice accepting praise, not deflecting it. A response as simple as, “Thank you. I worked hard on that and glad you noticed” is all it takes.

Performance reviews are stressful, but you can gain a sense of control over the process and calm during it with practice and planning. It starts with recognizing your accomplishments and what you bring to the table, and being able to comfortably talk about them.

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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.