Continuous Evaluation: Don't ask why, just do it!

MOST OF us have had that sinking feeling in our solar plexus when we were asked to step in for a word with the Principal of our school. No matter how clear our conscience, there was always a feeling of doubt that rushed in to de-stabilise us.

Fortunately, calls to the Principal's office are not mind- numbing events (except when one has a child in school!) Nevertheless, we have to be accountable to an authority figure in our workplace. There are days when we feel insecure, wondering if we have done our job well enough to merit a bonus or a summary dismissal. Our lives are centred on what our bosses think of us and it would appear that most of the time we seem to be able to judge ourselves by the annual appraisals that we all dread. S.Merugu, Executive Officer to a dotcom Vice President appears to be doing it right as she endeavours to stay a few jumps ahead of her boss and the competition by keeping her toes to the line and seeing that she tests herself before her boss does! The way she goes about it, is a lesson to us all:

1. Keep an accurate log (subheading) This comes in useful if you are asked (and you will be!) about your achievements for the past year. The data will be readily available. Keep a faithful record of your weaknesses as well. You have no idea how impressed bosses are when they see something like this!

2. Work on your strengths (subheading) You must have some skills that are either unique to you or those you have a preponderance of. Hone them all the time because you will become the natural choice for that particular job when it crops up. You need of course to be punctual and being noticeably efficient.

3. Bug the Boss (subheading) You must understand that the Head Honcho thinks of matters of greater pith and moment than you. Just because he doesn't spend time explaining things to you, it doesn't mean all is well with your work. Ask him straight out for his opinion of your work, minute it and send him a copy of his opinion. He will never be able to retract it later!

4. Spotlight your skills (subheading) Your skills may be of use to the organisation. Parade them and get the Boss to use them. Never ask for a return for this action because it will pay greater dividends when you need them!

5. Be universally nice (subheading) There is nothing that bosses like more than a team that functions well. To do this the team must gel well. Why can't you be the catalyst here? Get to know your fellow workers and interact with them both socially and individually. Help them out if you can and listen empathetically if you cannot do anything for them. If the whole team likes you, the message will get back to the boss of your indispensability.

Your own evaluation of yourself is the best way you can list down your 'to-dos' and 'mission-accomplisheds'. Diaries are great things and though your 'log' may be only a 'twig' it still shows the powers that be that you are self-motivated and are a self- starter (and finisher). Remember there is no place in organisations for people who cannot get their work done on time! Self-evaluations help you to make mid-course corrections if needs be and will be of immense help later.

S. RAMANUJACHARYA

professor1@sifi.com