SE Valley Times

A work review can be an anxiety-inducing experience, often filled with apprehension about receiving criticism. However, obtaining feedback on one's performance is crucial as it can shed light on strengths and reveal previously unnoticed flaws. An alternative to waiting for external evaluations is conducting a self-performance review.

A self-performance review involves assessing one's work honestly. This process provides an opportunity to reflect on the past year's accomplishments, identify areas needing improvement, set new goals, and evaluate changes in strengths and weaknesses over time. The essence of this exercise is honesty; without it, the evaluation loses its effectiveness.

One fundamental aspect of a self-performance review is evaluating strengths and weaknesses. Questions to consider include how well one has utilized their strengths and whether there are opportunities for further leveraging them. Equally important is scrutinizing weaknesses: efforts made to address them, potential transformations into strengths, or new weaknesses identified for future development.

If self-assessment proves challenging, seeking input from trusted mentors or peers may help. Making prioritized lists of strengths and weaknesses can also provide clarity.

Reflecting on accomplishments since the last formal review is another critical component. Recognizing progress—big or small—is essential. Reviewing past goals can highlight completed objectives and guide adjustments for unfinished ones based on current priorities.

Keeping a record of achievements at work could aid this process, providing a straightforward reference when assessing progress during self-evaluation periods.

Self-assessment should also involve identifying obstacles that hinder productivity. These could range from workplace distractions to communication issues or challenges balancing professional and personal obligations. Additionally, acknowledging successful practices or techniques developed over the year can be beneficial.

Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based) goals during a self-review helps chart a path forward by defining clear objectives aligned with professional ambitions and company needs.

Gina Pinch from Rio Salado College provides an example of a SMART goal: "For example," she explains, "a SMART goal to improve study skills could be 'I will study at least one hour every day for the next four weeks to improve my academic performance' instead of just stating 'I will improve my academic performance.'"

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