How to Grade Personal Performance
November, 2019
Do you demand a high level of performance from yourself? One of the major reasons for orienting yourself towards results is the need to set higher standards for your work. The journaling habit will help you understand your performance.
When I was a junior engineer, I was rated as one of the leading performers in my group and here is the reason. I had the ability to produce consistent results, for longer periods of time, in a variety of assignments.
By now I know what you’re thinking: “There’s no way to be perfect on every task!” True, but performance in a knowledge-centered organization like the AEC industry, does not mean robotic-like execution. However, it does demand positive consistency.
So, keeping a record of your performance must include your wins and your losses.
Below is an example of how to keep a Personal Performance Record.
| Task (Manager) | Date Assigned | Date Completed | Grade | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pavement Design (Han Solo) | 2016-0507 | 2016-0704 | C | I had some difficulty understanding how ESALs and Modulus values affect the final pavement mix. Needed several corrections. Misinterpreted report format and required information. |
| SR 100 Plan Sheets (C-3PO) | 2016-0525 | 2016-0624 | A | Completed markups and design corrections quickly. C-3PO was satisfied with the finished product. |
Keeping a record of your work in this format has several benefits.
- Tracks the time you spent on a task.
- Rates your performance (A through F)
- Records remarks on your performance.
Remember this record is personal so be honest with your reporting. The "Comments" section is where you’ll find the gold.
Action Item: Create a personal performance record. Be honest with your reports.