Listing Achievements
Foremost is to understand what review process actually is. You should understand why employers use performance reviews as a way to evaluate their employees. They hope to provide feedback, clearly communicate their expectations and open up a dialogue with employees. Be alert to all year for activities you can list as accomplishments on your review. Taking courses, keeping current with emerging technology and reading healthcare journals are all ways to impress your boss. Take advantage when opportunities come your way during the year to broaden your skills without waiting for your supervisor's nod. Look for what courses interest you, showing a sense of lifelong learning, especially in healthcare which is subjected to constant change.
Pinpoint Your Accomplishments
In the self-appraisal section you should detail your year-long successes, committees you've served on. Classes or seminars attended are all achievements. Be sure to highlight specific areas within your specialty. These are things you've done, and you want to bring them to the table."
Balancing the Negatives
Even with best of your preparation, your performance review may not be entirely positive. Be ready to address any weaknesses your supervisor might bring up and be thoughtful and introspective how you're going to improve them. A businesslike approach throughout the review and willing to hear both positive and negative feedback is also important. Healthcare workers need to remember that to improve one's careers performance appraisals are an opportunity.
Handling a poor review?
If you feel the review has been unfair to you consider responding to it in a positive manner. Discuss the review with the person and look at the review objectively. Was the criticism really justified or was it simply that you just felt offended being criticized in the first place? Acknowledge the correct points gracefully and if you eventually reach the conclusion that the review was unfair then set an appointment with your reviewer. Counter criticisms by presenting anything you have in writing to back you up. Leave a paper trail and if you have not done it remember to do it in the future.
New Negotiating Strategies
Ultimately performance review should be regarded as a tool for learning and self-development. You should be able to take away valuable information, whether it is about yourself or your reviewer. If you plan to ask for a raise, do some work on negotiating strategies. If your goal is a promotion, ask your supervisor about your workplace's management track and how you can gain the knowledge and experience required to move up. Even with all your preparation, your performance review is unlikely to be entirely positive. Then be ready with a plan to address any weaknesses your supervisor might bring up. Hear them patiently as these will help you to improve your career.
