Workplace Learning

DO:

• Have a clear understanding of your job expectations – specifically, job description, goals for the year
• Review your job expectations periodically – for example, quarterly – and ask if adjustments need to be made
• Prepare a summary of your accomplishments, and keep a “diary” during the year to make it easier
• Be honest / fair about what you did well and what you can do better – and use examples
• Be open to feedback – in other words, thank your supervisor for it, ask questions for clarification, ask for recommendations about how you can move forward
• Let them know your professional development needs and opportunities
• Use effective non-verbal communication – for example, make appropriate eye contact, face the person you’re talking with, don’t cross your arms or roll your eyes

DON’T:

• Wait until the end of the year to bring things up or “surprise” your supervisor
• Be defensive
• Make or take things personally
• Blame others
• Be unreasonably critical of management
• Complain – without good suggestions for improvement
• Make excuses – without strong examples to support your view
• Argue – without strong examples to support your view
• Overreact

When you’re preparing for your review, consider the past, present and future:

Past

• Check last year’s review
• List positive achievements
• Discuss ways of righting wrongs

Present

• Be honest about your development opportunities
• Emphasize your strengths
• Discuss current issues

Future

• Improve your qualifications
• Broaden your experiences
• Plan the long term
• Confirm next steps, and then follow through