Performance Evaluation

In class today we discussed Performance Evaluations, a useful tool in the workplace when used correctly. While there are different types of evaluations two useful ones are self-evaluation and employee-evaluation. 

Self-evaluation can be used for an individual to reflect on the work they have done in a certain period of time. When using self-evaluation individuals tend to either be too harsh on oneself or lack the understanding that they are not completing the work efficiently. It can be tough to work through a self-evaluation, but I found an article with 5 useful tips to get the most out of the evaluation.

1. Include specific, quantifiable results with supporting qualitative information
2. Avoid the laundry list of bulleted out accomplishments.
3. Incorporate feedback that you have received and archived throughout the year.
4. Showcase what makes you unique, how you differentiate yourself from others.
5. Prioritize 2-3 areas for continual learning, skill development and/or behavioral changes, emphasizing what the result will be if you prioritize these professional development goals.

These tips when used correctly help to understand the strategies that were used to meet your goals or to better understand why you fell short. Often times when we don't put effort into these types of evaluations we don't gain the full benefit of completing them and they might seem like a waste of time. Self-Evaluations can help to benefit the other type of evaluation which is Employee-Evaluation. 

Employee-Evaluations help to remind workers what their responsibilities are and what is expected of them. These evaluations are often taken seriously and offer a way for companies to make employment decisions. It is important for these evaluations to be explained in a conversation as opposed to just being written. Because managers don't know what an employee is doing everyday this is where self-evaluations help to display that the employee is doing.

Both types of evaluations are useful tools that are used in the workplace and can effective keep individuals on track without having to monitor their every move. Although they are effective they can be difficult to work through but are necessary to move to one’s personal goals and the goals of the company.

Works Cited

https://www.thebalance.com/employee-evaluation-1918117

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-horgan/5-must-dos-in-writing-you_b_8546266.html

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is “the ability to identify your own emotions and the emotions of others and use this information to guide behavior.” Often times this is a key difference that separates okay leaders from great leaders. In class we watched a short video on emotional intelligence (YouTube Video). Take away from the video were that it is often referred to as emotional quotient (EQ) which is very similar to how Intelligence Quotient is called IQ. Another take away was that if someone has a low EQ they can still improve it because it is altered by experiences. 

Emotional Intelligence is made up of 4 categories; Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social-Awareness, and Relationship Management. Self-Awareness is being able to self-reflect and be aware of your own emotions. Self-management is being able to handle your emotions in various situations through self-control, adaptability and transparency. Social Awareness is being able to adapt your emotions to the environment. Relationship management is being able to work with individuals with various emotions.

Of the 4 categories I find myself having a strong sense of self-management and relationship management. Both of these areas help me to work well with groups. Working in groups often brings many people of different strengths together but working with others can be a challenge. The other two areas, self-awareness and social-awareness are something I find to be my areas of weakness. Often in situations I let my emotions get the best of me whether it be stressing about something to much or if its dealing with someone that disagrees with me. I have to work on both of these areas going forward to grow my leadership skills.