An Asian woman looking her iPad at work
If you are not clear about certain KPIs, discuss them with your boss. (Photo: Pexels)

Know What’s Expected Of You
Are you on track to meeting most or all of your KPIs? Be honest with yourself. Consider all the areas you feel you are doing well in and other areas you can improve on, and list them out. Perhaps you are an excellent team player but could do better when it comes to time management. Come up with a plan to address these issues.

Get Feedback From Your Boss
If you are not clear about certain KPIs, discuss them with your boss, says Alka Chandiramani, a global mobility specialist and career coach at Alvo Connexions. Have your boss suggest how and where you can improve, and her expectations of you in the coming year.

Create New Goals
Jasveer Malaney, a leadership coach at Acquire Coaching, an executive coaching and leadership company advises having a clear idea of what you want to achieve in the coming year. If you have your eye on the top job in your department, find out what it will take to get it. Will you need to take a course or training? Will you need to meet a specific sales target? This helps you to plan.

Be In The Loop
Find out if there are any changes that will take place in the company. For example, are there plans to create a new department or new positions within your own department? Is the company expanding or downsizing? This information will come in handy when working on your goals for the upcoming year.

job appraisal form
If your boss gives you negative feedback or constructive criticism, don’t take any of it too personally, and don’t get defensive. (Photo: 123RF.com)

Don’t Panic
In the weeks leading up to your performance appraisal, your bosses will be monitoring your behaviour and contributions more closely. It’s important to stay positive and keep track of your goals and make sure you are meeting expectations, says Jasveer.

List Out Your Achievements
Make time to think about everything you’ve accomplished, no matter how small. Then, list them out, giving as much detail as possible. For instance, don’t just write that you spearheaded a certain project. Include how you went about it, any relevant figures or feedback from your clients, the outcome, and how the project boosted the company’s bottomline. Make note of any awards or record you’ve received too.

Present Yourself In The Best Light
When filling out your appraisal form, offer details about your greatest achievements and contributions during the year. Toot your horn, says Jasveer. If you keep quiet, you may miss out on being considered for the promotion or raise. List out your career goals clearly and include details about how you plan to achieve them, when you’re asked. Be honest about your weaknesses or any areas you feel you could have done better. Perhaps you fell short of sales target, received negative feedback from a client, or had trouble meeting deadlines. It’s important to include the lessons learnt and how you plan to improve the following year.

Be Receptive To Feedback And Ask Questions
If your boss gives you negative feedback or constructive criticism, don’t take any of it too personally, and don’t get defensive. Acknowledge her views, ask for more details if necessary and talk about how you can improve in those areas. Show that you are receptive and open to making positive changes, and ask questions that reflect a desire to improve in your role, adds Alka.

Text: Sasha Gonzales, Simply Her, February 2016 / Additional Reporting: Sylvia Ong

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