Menu
Cheska B. |
June 26, 2024
As we find ourselves at the midpoint of another year, it’s natural to pause and reflect on the journey we’ve undertaken thus far. Within our company, this pause often coincides with our biannual evaluation period, a time of heightened activity and reflection. I’ve noticed a familiar sight: everyone’s giving it their all, racing against the clock, and working overtime to get things done that might’ve slipped through the cracks earlier.
However, amid this hustle, it’s important to take a step back to delve deeper into the purpose behind these evaluations. Do we perceive feedback as a threat or an opportunity for growth? Feedback, in its various forms, is not merely a checkpoint but a compass guiding us toward personal and professional development.
Understanding the Purpose and Process
The purpose of our evaluation process is multifaceted: it allows us to comprehensively assess job performance, attitude, and contributions; provide fair compensation and growth opportunities; and ultimately align with the company’s vision while enhancing competitiveness. It’s also about rewarding employees based on their achievements—after all, success requires effort.
As someone overseeing this process, I understand the gravity of the responsibility. It’s a month-long endeavor that begins with meticulously combing through attendance records and ends with finalizing scores and feedback. But it’s not just about crunching numbers and filling out forms. It’s about creating an environment where feedback is embraced, where employees feel supported in their growth journey.
Preparation is key. It involves updating guidelines, crafting presentations, and conducting orientation sessions to ensure everyone understands the process. But it’s also about being available to address questions and concerns that arise along the way.
Once the evaluation period kicks off, the real work begins. I pore over feedback forms, carefully considering each comment and score. Sometimes, reevaluations are necessary, and follow-up discussions may ensue. It’s a meticulous process, but it’s one that ultimately contributes to the overall growth and success of the company.
Moreover, my journey transitioning from a manual system to automation has been transformative. When I took over the evaluation process in December 2022, navigating through a cumbersome manual process was challenging. For instance, summarizing feedback from multiple evaluators was a painstaking task. Additionally, the lack of automation in our scores tracking system resulted in errors and inconsistencies in our data. It was frustrating to realize that updating scores in one sheet didn’t automatically reflect changes in related sheets.
However, through persistent trial and error, I successfully streamlined the process by implementing automation tools such as forms and AI assistance, notably leveraging ChatGPT for feedback summarization. This strategic shift not only significantly reduces errors but also optimizes our time usage, allowing us to focus on more value-added tasks.
Fostering a Feedback Culture
Fostering a culture of ongoing feedback is crucial within any organization. When delivering constructive criticism, objectivity is key; relying on performance metrics and data to substantiate your points ensures clarity and fairness. Moreover, providing specific instances and actionable recommendations for improvement amplifies the impact of feedback, empowering individuals to enact meaningful changes.
As for receiving feedback, it’s imperative to detach personal feelings and view it as a pathway for development. Constructive criticism provides valuable insights into areas where we can improve. It’s also important to actively seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors to gain a well-rounded perspective on our performance.
I recall receiving feedback from my previous supervisor during one of my evaluations when I was still a project manager. My supervisor pointed out areas for improvement in my communication with clients. With their support, I adopted new strategies in my daily interactions. This led to significant improvements in my client correspondence, ultimately leading in more efficient project delivery.
Reflecting on your own experiences, have you ever received feedback that transformed the way you work? How did you approach it, and what were the outcomes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Moreover, it’s important to emphasize the significance of fostering an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels heard. In our journey toward growth and success, it’s essential to create an environment where every voice matters and contributions are recognized.
In conclusion, at Lexcode, our commitment to meritocracy and transparency in promotions underscores our dedication to fairness and accountability. By equipping employees with clear criteria and timelines, we empower them to chart their career trajectories with confidence.
As we embark on this journey together, let’s embrace feedback with open arms and a willingness to learn and grow. After all, it’s how we become the best versions of ourselves.
