Write Your Own Report Card

Dear Joan,

It's time for my annual performance review. My boss is very busy and although we talk about projects and problems about once a week I'm not feeling confident that she fully appreciates all that I have accomplished this year. Many of my accomplishments, especially in the area of defusing some volatile employee situations, are not objectively measurable and not part of my goals list. Any suggestion would be appreciated. P.F., Client Services Manager.

Dear P.F.,

That is a great question and one of my favorites to answer. I call it Writing Your Own Report Card. Bosses are busy with their own goals to achieve and problems to handle so it is important to give her/him a weekly or monthly up date on what is happening in your department. Although, there may be other reports you are required to submit this one is highly personal to you. Putting things in writing usually gives them more objectivity and clarity, as well as weight. The following are the categories I often recommend that clients use. Adapt it to fit your situation.

• Accomplishments: Projects, assigned tasks, and goals accomplished with the dollar or resource value to the company. What was on time and in budget? Even better what exceed expectations and how?
  
  
• Work in Progress: This lets your boss know what projects and goals you are working on and their status. Problems Resolved: This is the place to list the subjective and hard to measure accomplishments that are meaningful to the productivity and smooth running of the organization, such as the volatile employee situations you mentioned. It is also a good place to note any damage control or salvage work you have done with clients. An unhappy client salvaged and hopefully turned into an advocate for your company, is worth a lot of money.
  
  
• Concerns/Challenges: In my experience bosses hate surprises, so this is a place to give the boss some warning that a problem or issue may soon be coming to a head. As a client advocate you may see a possible negative consequence to some action planned by the company or a governmental body.
  
  
• Areas in which I need help, support or advice: Organizations by nature are a collaborative venture. No one knows everything and bosses, if they are smart, are happy to give your the benefit of their experience, wisdom and influence. There is no shame in asking for help. The boss does not know what you do not know, so ask. It will show that you are thinking and wanting to grow.

These weekly or monthly Report Cards are a great communication tool and give your boss concrete data on which to formulate your performance review. In your case the year has passed so do a recap of the year for her. She will, at the very least, see your perspective on the years events.

When the day comes that you are ready to look for a new job you will have an excellent quantitative list of accomplishments from which to choose and put on your resume!

Are You or a Friend Looking for a Job?

I can help you craft a resume and develop interview strategies that will make YOU stand out from the crowd!

Ruth, a financial executive, with a Masters in Accounting, a CPA, had been looking for a job for seven months. When she called, she said, “I just can’t seem to get past the gatekeepers.” I helped Ruth refocus and power up her resume. Together we created a networking strategy and 90 second personal commercial. Within 45 days Ruth had five interviews and two highly desirable job offers.

If you want to power up your resume, job search and interview skills, give me a call at 281-293-8864 or email me: joan@bolmer.com