Edition #20

In this edition: how to prepare for your appraisal interview | Tip of the week: Managing emotions during appraisal discussion | Resource: Communication blunders to avoid

Hey Reader

It's that time of the year again! The air is charged with anticipation as we reflect on the achievements of last year and aspire to new ones this year.

And then there is that appraisal where the endless hours we toiled for will finally get noticed!

But will they?

Good work speaks for itself - they say!

But does it?

Unless you know how to spin your good work in your favour, no one else will make the effort. And it’s never too early to start preparing for it!

In today’s newsletter, I want to share 6 things you can do to take charge of your narrative and show your commitment towards your work successfully:

Tip 1: Make a list of your achievements - and failures

This is going to be your jumping off point for the interview. It’s not just about the accolades but also about the failures that you are aware of and accept.

You may need to sit on this a few times to ensure you cover everything that reflects well on your year-long efforts.

Example:

Completed X project in record time

Helped a new team member with the nuances of the job

Built a productivity system that helped me stay accountable

Tip 2: Think of stories/learning for each point in your list

Your stories and examples make your efforts concrete in the real world.

This will help you vividly illustrate your professional growth journey, adding depth to your appraisal discussions.

Example: Fill out characters and timelines for the examples mentioned in the previous point

Tip 3: Pull out the numbers

While stories bring the real world to the discussion, numbers make them indisputable!

Think of accurate, quantitative information whenever possible.

For example:

Quantify the time you took to complete the project Vs the time it could have actually taken.

Can you put a number to the hours you saved through your productivity system - which will prove that it was indeed productive.

Tip 4: Work on how you will deliver your stories

No matter how powerful your work, unless you seize the narration, it’s going to be lost on the managers.

Work on concision, work on word power and work on voice modulation.

The trio of skills will help you present your work in a whole different light!

Tip 5: Be open to discussion

An appraisal discussion is anything but a one-way conversation. So it’s not just about rehearsing your part.

There will be counter questions and disagreements. Learn to anticipate and address the concerns.

Acknowledge them first and then give your explanation. Don’t get defensive, even if you disagree.

Accept wherever you have failed and offer solutions proactively ensuring a constructive discussion about improvements and growth in the future.

Tip 6: Have an action plan ready

It’s a good idea to have a few goals ready for the upcoming year. This is a great hack to ultimately focus on the next steps rather than going round and round with disagreements.

Offer to change things based on the discussion and get your manager on board with the other goals you’ve set for yourself.

In short:

Tip 1: Make a list of your achievements - and failures

Tip 2: Think of stories/learning for each point in your list

Tip 3: Pull out the numbers

Tip 4: Work on how you will deliver your stories

Tip 5: Be open to discussion

Tip 6: Have an action plan ready
​

SUPER TIP OF THE WEEK

The tone of your voice is the most important thing in an appraisal discussion. You cannot sound defensive or accusatory. That'll tick off the listener and take the discussion in a whole different direction.

Be patient and open minded. Keep it constructive.

Run a role play with a colleague, friend or family member to ensure you get your tone right.

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

At the end of the day, appraisals are how you communicate your year-long achievements in the right light.

So, as a resource for this week, here is my article - 8 Common Communication Blunders We Commit And How To Avoid Them

It offers valuable insights on what phrases or behaviors to steer clear of, ensuring your communication during the appraisal is polished and impactful.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

No matter what I do, my boss is never happy. How will my appraisal interview be any different?

Well! This is a common pet peeve that a lot of employees have. If you read the tips above, you'll find the answer. Here are a couple of things you can try:

1. Go the extra mile with your evidence and numbers. Numbers make it hard to deny things or put a subjective spin on it

2. Get a buy-in from your manager about the things you have done by turning your points into questions - Do you agree that this was the right thing to do? don't the stats in your sheet also show the same numbers? Once you get the "yes", there'll be no denying.

SNEAK PEAK INTO NEXT WEEK

Are you struggling with communication at a senior level? The next edition has 5 golden nuggets on executive level communication and how to master them. Stay tuned!

YOUR TURN...

Did you find this newsletter helpful? What would you like to read in this newsletter? I am planning my content for next month and would love to know your thoughts.

If you found this edition useful, would you consider sharing it with just one more person and ask him/her to subscribe?

Have suggestions/comments? Hit reply and send them to me!

Cheers

Suman

_______________________________

Whenever you are ready:

Get into a strategy call with me for free - book your slot here​

Watch 2 new videos a week on communication on my YouTube Channel

For daily tips on communication and soft skills, follow me on Linkedin