- Michael Doolin has spent 36 years in the human resources field, having worked for companies like PwC, British Airways, and DPD.
- Employees often say they don't get the recognition or feedback they feel they deserve from management.
- The HR expert explains what signs to look for to determine if employees are performing well in their roles.
Clover HR
After a career spanning 36 years in human resources, you come to understand a few key things about the people you've interacted with. It appears that about half of the workforce is comprised of committed employees who genuinely strive to do a great job and only seek a simple expression of appreciation at the end of the day. Unfortunately, many employers neglect to provide the recognition that can make a significant difference in keeping their employees engaged.
Individuals often feel uncertain about their job performance. Those striving for career advancement continuously seek acknowledgment. However, sometimes supervisors' subtle gestures, such as inviting someone to lunch or spending more time with someone else, can create the perception of favoritism, potentially exacerbating stress, anxiety, and insecurity to an extreme degree.
Regularly scheduled performance evaluations, beyond the annual review, can be beneficial for growth and development. The Chinese proverb "It is better to take many small steps than to make a great leap" is relevant here. Appearances, like a job interview, should be frequent, rather than occasional.
For me, excelling at your job is about how much you're improving, how much value you bring, and how much you're noticed. If your supervisor isn't frequently commenting on your performance, these can be indications that you're still doing well at work.
Working efficiently
The ease or difficulty you experience while doing your job can indicate how well you're doing. For instance, if you're consistently finishing your emails early or having extra time at the end of each day, week, or month, it suggests that you're performing better than you expected, probably even exceeding your targets.
If you park a lot of papers in the bottom left-hand drawer because you just haven't gotten around to dealing with them, it may be a sign that you're not keeping up with your work.
Keep in mind, though, a never-ending inbox doesn't necessarily mean you're doing something wrong. What it really means is that you're open to possibilities - you're automating tasks, embracing tech and smart practices, and it's a sign that you're a proactive learner. Program your email to focus on what's really important to you.
Proper planning
Proper planning and prioritization are indicators of being on top of your work. Your supervisor shouldn't be caught off guard. Failing to plan ahead and scrambling at the last minute sends the wrong signal of competence.
You may be submitting reports and updates regularly and making sure you arrive at work on time.
Positive feedback
If you're receiving favorable comments from coworkers, customers, and clients about your work-related efforts, it's an indication that you're on the right track.
Engagement
One of the greatest signs of someone's performance on the job is how involved they are at work, whether it's casually or in a formal setting. Engagement can be shown in several ways: showing up regularly, personal grooming and appearance, working with colleagues, sending out emails or receiving them, and being interested in or participating in workplace discussions, meetings, or events.
Underestimating the importance of understanding your employees' dynamics can be a mistake.
When individuals are under pressure, their behavior and actions change. Employers can better understand these changes by having a deeper insight into a person's motivations and emotional state. The most effective way for this to happen is by building a personal connection with them, taking the time to spend with them.
The workplace should extend beyond the office. To fully understand an individual, it's essential to consider their whole being – not just their professional contributions. This holistic approach benefits both employers and employees.
Bringing solutions, not problems
When you're successful at work, you're more likely to come up with solutions rather than problems. You'll typically attend meetings prepared with well-researched ideas you've thought through. Presenting a solution that's thoroughly thought out and evaluated is beneficial. Also, if you do make an error, you'll own up to it and have a plan for getting around it.
Curiosity
A key indicator that work is going smoothly is when you're curious. You'll be asking questions and eager to learn. This might involve questioning internal procedures, such as why things are done in a particular way, with the goal of eliminating obstacles and creating possibilities. This demonstrates that you're inquiring and motivated to make a positive contribution.
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If you feel you need feedback, ask for it. Ask your line manager or supervisor: How am I doing? What do I do well? What do I not do well? Let them know you'd appreciate regular feedback and suggest taking 15 minutes at the end of the day. This can be done casually.
Just like competing in a race, you can identify your personal best accomplishments and set your own goals, such as eradicating clutter from your email inbox or taking on a new client, by maintaining a workplace journal or establishing your own performance benchmarks.
Take a broader view. Many people focus on self-fulfillment in relation to their careers, but not in their overall lives. Don't measure your self-worth and status just by your professional role. Think about being a good child, partner, parent, or friend.
on Microsoft Start.