Feedback

Class Location: The Internet.

Description: This course is designed to help students deal with feedback from managers and bosses.

Objective: Find out how to effectively deal with your higher ups, and vice versa.

If you are the employee...

We know you probably hate performance reviews, but there are things you can do to turn it into an opportunity.

Your review should be based on mutual expectation agreements between yourself and your boss and on measurable performance traits.

Make the communication two-way if possible, by asking if you can provide a self-appraisal before or after your review. If your typical review is one in which your boss does all the talking (or criticizing), it is even more important to see if you can submit your appraisal ahead of the review.

Be on the same page as your boss. You want to know how your performance is being perceived by management before the review.

The real purpose of a review should be to promote further improvement, not only to be criticized. It should be a dialogue that creates a plan for your future within the organization.

Going into the actual review, remember to know what you have accomplished for the organization and be prepared to honestly market yourself to your employer. Be confident, but receptive to any criticism you may receive. If constructive criticism is offered, explain how you will work them into your plan for the future.

If you are the employer...

You probably already know how much employees hate performance reviews, and honestly you probably don't like them much either. But it is up to you in most cases to help make them productive.

Try to make the review two-way communication, rather than just lecturing your employees about what they have done wrong. People are motivated more by praise than criticism, so focus on their strengths and accomplishments and then make suggestions for growth rather than beginning with weaknesses.

Consider if annual reviews are profitable, or if shorter meetings held more often will help open communication and increase productivity.

Also, remember to allow for feedback from your employees so they don't feel misunderstood or ignored.