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Thursday, March 24, 2005

Appraisal meeting tips

Here are few things that Avneet Chatwal has pointed out that you can do during your meeting with the Boss at an Appraisal:

1.Understand Its Importance - Make sure you understand the significance of your appraisal review. For instance, your boss should review your job description with you and go over any goals and any change in objectives which the two of you agreed upon at inception or at your last appraisal discussion.

2.Look into your boss's eye - Sit up straight in the chair and look into your boss's eye. Your body language should convey openness, confidence and alertness.

3.Listen carefully without interrupting - Be open, flexible and willing to admit your short comings. Remember you don't have to be perfect. Try to see things from your boss's perspective. Being able to look at and accept your weaknesses is a sign of maturity and strength.

4.Ask for Explanations - If you don't understand or agree how your boss arrived at a particular judgement, ask for further explanation. Ask questions with a motive of achieving a common understanding and a summary of your performance.

5.Respond Objectively - If you disagree over some point, try to respond as objectively as possible. Speak based on facts about your performance and the results that you have achieved.

6.Clear Understanding - Before the appraisal is over, make sure that you have a clear understanding of areas you need to improve on and how you are going to do it. Discuss the possibilities with your Boss.

7.End Positively - Finish on a positive note as an appraisal discussion is an opportunity for you and your boss to understand each other better and strengthen your relationship.

After the appraisal meeting is over, if you don't agree with the discussion, pen down your thoughts and attach them to the appraisal form. Your human resources department probably has a procedure if you disagree with your appraisal. Ask them about it.
Last but not the least, remember that you and your boss are a part of the same team working towards the same goals. Eventually, bosses want their employees to succeed and do well because when you are successful, they have done the job they were supposed to do. So give your Boss an opportunity to rate you. Trust us, you won't regret it.