Embed Value in Appraisal

Appraisal is one of the company features any employee looks forward to. His annual performance is taken into account, weighed and analyzed to determine his future. This system is fraught with tension, awkwardness and frankly, a lot of dilly-dallying by the employers and the employees. Most are familiar with this routine, but have you ever thought of changing it? Have you thought to embed value in appraisal?

Esteemed Mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik once narrated a story about Hanuman and his mother. In this story, Hanuman’s mother asked him why he went through the trouble of building a bridge to Lanka when he could have struck the demons with one swipe of his tail and save Sita from Ravana. Hanuman answered saying that, no one asked him to do that, whatever Ram told him to do, he did that. He said that it was after all, Ram’s story, not his own.

In the above story, you can see that Hanuman carried out the duties set to him. His abilities were kept in the background while he fulfilled the role set to him. Also, since it was Ram’s story, it would be inappropriate of him to take liberty with Ram’s mission.

An appraisal should be simply that. An assessment of the assignments delegated to the employee, and the performance of an employee in doing justice to them should be considered in the appraisal. It is a measure of the appropriate usage of resources to achieve the results or goals set down. If an employee has performed effectively to meet the requirements – then no question should arise on his capability or efficiency – the fact that he has delivered what was asked of him should be enough to determine his appraisal.

One also needs to take into account that an employee does not work on his own on a project. He is aided and assisted by a team, juniors, subordinates and seniors. In an appraisal, one needs to look at the growth, qualities, and development of the employee himself, rather than seeing how the employee has contributed to a company’s growth. Wondering why so? Well, when you appreciate a person for their self-growth, it builds a sense of higher self-worth that reflects in the performance, which leads to… the company growing. Avoid making an employee feel like he’s doing a favour to the company, it will never work. Instead, appreciate and acknowledge his inputs, as well as failings, give him an honest, balanced feedback that will help him help you.

Inculcate value in the organization by valuing the good qualities of the employees. They are not just a means to the company’s end. They are the company – they make the company what it is, which is why it is extremely essential to value them.

On a Lighter Note - Dilbert