- Michael Doolin has accumulated 36 years of experience in human resources at firms including PwC, British Airways, and DPD.
- He mentioned that workers frequently do not receive the acknowledgment or input they desire from their supervisors.
- The seasoned HR professional offers insights into the indicators that show employees are excelling in their roles.
This essay, presented as told by him, is based on a transcription of a discussion with Michael Doolin, who serves as the CEO of Clover HR And previously served as a human resources director at PwC, British Airways, and DPD in Ireland. The excerpt below has been condensed for brevity and clarity.
Following 36 years in human resources, several insights into human behavior become clear. In my view, half of the employees come to work with the intention of performing well and just desire a basic "Thanks" once their shift ends. Unfortunately, numerous managers overlook how such a straightforward recognition can significantly help maintain staff engagement.
Individuals often lack clarity about their workplace standing concerning their performance. Those driven by career progression may seek acknowledgment every day. Small signals such as a manager asking someone out for lunch or allocating extra attention to another employee could create perceptions of unfairness, potentially intensifying emotions of tension, worry, and self-doubt.
Performance management, similar to evaluations, ought to occur more frequently than just annually. Instead, it should represent an continuous dialogue between you and your supervisor. A former manager of mine had a fantastic motto: "There shouldn’t be any shocks." Ensuring this, managers should engage in conversations and conduct performance assessments all through the year.
To excel in your role means focusing on personal growth, contributing valuable input, and receiving acknowledgment for your efforts. Should your supervisor not frequently comment on your productivity, this could indicate that you’re doing well in your position.
Working efficiently
How smoothly you accomplish your tasks—whether they feel easy or cumbersome—is often an indicator of your performance level. You may notice that your inbox is clearing out more quickly than usual, or perhaps you finish earlier each day, week, or month due to exceeding expectations.
On the contrary, if you store additional paperwork in the lower-left drawer due to not having addressed it yet, this could indicate that you might be underperforming.
In spite of this, an overflowing inbox does not necessarily indicate poor performance. Maximize automation and adopt new technologies and improved methods—these reflect a forward-thinking attitude. Establish email filters to ensure you only view crucial messages.
Proper planning
Organizing and prioritizing tasks indicates effective work habits. You should aim for your supervisor to have no unexpected developments. Delaying until the final moment and offering hasty replies doesn’t demonstrate capability.
You could be providing regular reports and updates, along with ensuring punctual attendance at your workplace.
Positive feedback
When your coworkers, clients, and customers offer favorable feedback regarding professional tasks, it indicates that you're on the right track.
Engagement
A key indicator of performance is your level of engagement both officially and unofficially at work. This involvement can manifest through several signs such as punctuality, grooming standards, teamwork with peers, fluctuations in email activity, and showing interest or contributing during office discussions, events, or conferences.
For an employer, understanding your team members and their working styles is essential. This aspect is often underestimated.
Individuals behave distinctively when faced with stress. Managers can pinpoint these pressure areas more effectively if they understand that individual’s drives and emotional states. The most effective method for achieving this understanding is through quality interaction and engagement.
The work setting ought not to concentrate exclusively on the office space. It’s crucial to acknowledge that each person contributes distinctive skills. Hence, employers and employees alike benefit from viewing an individual holistically instead of merely focusing on their role-related duties during their everyday activities.
Bringing solutions, not problems
When you excel at your job, you tend to generate solutions rather than issues. You may attend meetings equipped with concepts that you’ve pondered over and investigated thoroughly. Proposing a carefully assessed resolution can be quite beneficial. Additionally, should an error occur, you would recognize it and possess an alternative plan ready.
Curiosity
A key indicator that your work is progressing smoothly is when you feel curious. You will likely pose many questions and show eagerness to acquire knowledge. You may also scrutinize internal procedures, wondering about their rationale with an aim to eliminate obstacles and foster new possibilities. This demonstrates your inquisitiveness as well as your desire to contribute additional value.
Seek input if you remain uncertain
Should you desire some input, request it directly. Inquire with your immediate superior or boss about your performance. Seek their insights on what strengths you possess and which areas might benefit from improvement. Inform them that you value periodic feedback and propose setting aside approximately 15 minutes towards the close of each workday to discuss this casually.
Similar to participating in a race, you can always define your personal best records and set your individual goals, such as reducing your inbox to zero messages or attracting a new client. This process can be achieved through maintaining a work journal or establishing your specific key performance indicators.
Gain some perspective as well. Numerous individuals concentrate on self-fulfillment through their careers rather than their overall life. Avoid measuring your value and standing solely based on your job role. Reflect on how great a son, daughter, spouse, mother, father, or companion you are.
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