Career Success For Accountants

Why People Don’t Get Benefit From Their Performance Appraisal and What To Do About It

If you work for an organisation of any size, chances are there will be some sort of formal appraisal of your performance.  In some organisations this could be as frequently as once a quarter.  In reality it is going to be at annually or every 6 months.

 

Now I have always been a great fan of appraisals and feedback.  On the other hand I know of others who see it is a going through the motions and a box ticking exercise.  If you fall into this category it is likely to be at least in part to you not seeing any benefit.

 

So why don’t people get benefit and what can you do about it?

 

They Go In With The Wrong Mindset

 

Who determines your mindset in terms of appraisals?  Actually it is you.  Like everything you have a choice.  You can decide that it is a waste of time and just go through the motions.  Or you can see it as an opportunity to stop, reflect, listen, learn and grow.

 

They Do The Minimum In Terms Of Preparation

 

This is your career.  Your salary is probably the biggest contributor to your income.  It determines what you can and can’t do outside of work.  Yet I still people doing little or nothing to be prepared.  When you are prepared you can talk confidently about your successes.  You can frame the disappointments and setbacks in the right way.  You are better placed to challenge things you don’t agree with.  Preparing puts you in the driving seat.  Don’t see it as a chore and view it as a positive investment in your career.

 

They Don’t Focus On Achievements

 

Just like a job interview you want to be talking about achievements and successes.  In other words you want to be giving a clear summary of the contribution you have made to the business.  The reason why people struggle with this in my view is that they have no process for systematically recording achievements.  As a result they find it difficult to recall them.  Make it easy for yourself by starting a book or word document where you jot down achievements on a weekly or at least monthly basis.

 

They Don’t Talk About Career Aspirations

 

Perhaps they feel that it will send out the wrong signal if they openly talk about their career aspirations.  The reality is that a good boss will encourage you to talk about this.  A good boss wants to be surrounded by people who are ambitious.  It keeps them on their toes.

 

They Don’t Ask For Help

 

Is there a gap in your skills or experience that is stopping you moving forward?  Would you benefit from having some support from a mentor?  Only you know what you need.  The problem is that people are often reluctant to ask for the help and support they need.  They worry that it is a sign of weakness.  The reality is very different.  It’s a sign of strength so start asking for the help you need.

 

Duncan Brodie helps accountants and professionals achieve more career success.  Learn more here.

About the Author Duncan Brodie

Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.

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