5 Communication
Clarify Expectations and Ask for Feedback
Sometimes an employer may not have the time or resources to review your job expectations with you in detail. To ensure you’re performing adequately at your new job, review your job duties very carefully, then identify your main responsibilities and how much time you should be spending on each. This is a fail-proof way to ensure you’re on target with what your employer expects, however, if you are unclear about what this looks like, don’t hesitate to clarify at any time. Along the same lines, if you want to make sure you’re on the right track, set up a time to meet with your manager and ask for feedback on your progress so far (Indeed Editorial Team, 2021).
Being Professional During a Performance Appraisal
Figure 2 Tips for actively and professionally approaching a performance appraisal: This SmartArt graphic lists attitudes and actions to take in order to successfully navigate a performance appraisal. Listed beside each of these actions or attitudes is the aspect of professionalism demonstrated through that action or attitude.
Note. Adapted from Indeed Editorial Team, 2021. [Image description].
Reflection Questions
- When you start a new job, can you clearly identify your roles and responsibilities (Indeed Editorial Team, 2021)?
- Do you wait to be told you’re doing something wrong before asking for feedback?
Activity
Are you prepared for a performance appraisal? Complete this drag-and-drop activity to review what you have learned.
Chapter References
Indeed Editorial Team. (2021, July 20). 17 performance review tips for employees. Indeed. https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/performance-review-tips-for-employees
Media Attribution
Figure 2. Tips for actively and professionally approaching a performance appraisal. © Copyright Ellen Dilgert, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
Image Descriptions
Figure 2 This SmartArt graphic lists attitudes and actions to take in order to successfully navigate a performance appraisal. Listed beside each of these actions or attitudes is the aspect of professionalism demonstrated through that action or attitude.
- Attitude: Take on the attitude of a learner. Aspect of Professionalism: Positive attitude.
- Action: Listen actively. Aspect of Professionalism: Showing respect.
- Action: Take notes. Aspect of Professionalism: Seeking feedback, accepting and learning from feedback.
- Action: Control your reactions and emotions. Aspect of Professionalism: Staying calm.
- Attitude: Expect constructive criticism or negative feedback. Aspect of Professionalism: Take responsibility for your own actions.
- Action: If the reviewer brings up something that you know is untrue, politely ask for an example or a further explanation. Aspect of Professionalism: Asking appropriate questions.
- Attitude: Accept constructive criticism, even when you think that person may be wrong. Aspect of Professionalism: Seeking to grow and learn new skills.
- Action: Be an active participant in the process. Discuss your goals, ask for advice. Aspect of Professionalism: Showing initiative and confidence.
