Irony of Appraisals

Whenever the point of poor appraisal comes, only one person is at fault. No guesses as we all know its the Appraiser. The appraiser is generally seen as the guilty for failed appraisal.

Bigger reason for failed appraisal is lack of skill to conduct appraisals. But, as the saying goes every coin has two sides, so does this aspect has. 

It is equal responsibility of the appraisee to gather his set of facts and have a healthy discussion. Appraisee should not go with a mindset that "Boss is always right". This approach is good to give respect, but it do not stand right when it is about our own development or growth. 

If you disagree with your manager make a point you explain it then and there and do not drag it outside.  The more you gather it within at different instances the more impact it has on your efficiency. And the end result is reduced performance and lost opportunity. 

As human we always like to pass the ball and do not want to own our weaknesses. Hence, it is obvious that once we listen to our lacuna we are not willing to absorb, but be honest. Listen to understand and not to reply. Understand if any area of development is identified it is for your growth. If you feel you have self analysed and you are already working on it; immediately express. And if you think it is not a road block try to understand why the appraiser has identified it as improvement area. The discussion is about your growth and the point is to increase your efficiency. 

The irony to this process is; the person who is going to be benefited the most, is not ready to accept. The reason of non acceptance is; that will lead to less increment in salaries.

What we can do to avoid such situations? Ideal is regular discussion with appraisee to know his weaknesses. It is not happening, then as responsible person you take initiative; ask your manager. What are the areas he feels you are lacking? What could you have done better? What is the feedback he is getting from your stakeholders? And mind you make a document for such discussions and take it to meeting when you are going for review.

At the end "God Help Those... Who Help Themselves" if you are willing to go ahead don't wait for someone else to do it for yourself. Appraisal meetings are for your growth and not for increase in salaries. Increment are just reward for the good you are doing, as payment for your job is anyways done every month to you. So don't concentrate on % or increase, focus on your growth.