How to Conduct the Self-Assessment
A SELF-ASSESSMENT is an employee’s evaluation of their performance during the specified performance period. The purpose of the Self-Assessment is to have the employee think about and give serious consideration to how they have performed in meeting expectations.
For various reasons, many employees forgo the opportunity to conduct a Self-Assessment for the PRD process. When doing so, the employee abdicates their right and responsibility to take an active role in the Midway Feedback session and the final Performance Review session. Whether the employee agrees or disagrees with the supervisor about performance, the Self-Assessment will always open channels of communication and play an important role in having a successful PRD process.
Self-Assessment Paper Work: In conducting the Self-Assessment the employee uses a copy of the original (and/or amended) expectations that were set by the supervisor and employee at the beginning of the cycle. This may be an electronic version of the expectations, a photocopied version of the PRD paperwork, and/or copy of the PRD form. This completed self-appraisal, with notations designating it as the Employee’s self-assessment, should be brought to the meeting with the supervisor.
The employee or supervisor may elect to complete a generic Self Evaluation Form in lieu of the specific Self-Assessment.
Preparing for the Self-Assessment
- PRD Expectations: The employee should already have a copy of the PRD expectations the supervisor and employee used to set expectations at the beginning of the review period. The employee should make a copy of the form to write comments and remarks while conducting the Self-Assessment.
- Documentation: The employee should gather all notes and records about performance that will serve as documentation for the review period.
- Time: The employee should allocate approximately one to two hours of time to look over the PRD, review any documentation they have maintained, think about performance, and complete a Self-Assessment.
- Quiet: The employee should conduct the Self-Assessment in a quiet place that will ensure no interruptions. This will help ensure that the employee can devote full attention and reflection to overall performance.
Conducting a Self-Assessment
The employee should try to relax and reflect upon individual expectations, experiences, and incidents. No one is perfect, and it is very likely that good and bad experiences will be recalled. The purpose of the PRD process is to correct performance weaknesses and develop unused skills and abilities. In order to do this the employee must be willing to recognize areas that need improvement or development.
The employee should read each selected performance factor, the definitions, and the “Meets Expectations” criteria that were determined by the supervisor and employee. The employee should also recall any informal discussions that may have taken place about any of the expectations.
The employee should read and organize all notes and documentation related to the expectations on the PRD form. The employee then should recall all aspects of performance that relate to each area or expectation. The employee must be certain to consider performance for the entire review period, not just for the beginning or for the end of the period.
The employee must decide what performance level best illustrates their performance throughout the review period. They should read the rating scale and the definitions located on the PRD form. The employee then rates performance by placing a check in the appropriate box and writing a brief explanation of the reasons for the rating in the “Comments” section of the PRD form. The employee should be very specific in writing down examples, illustrations, and instances that support the rating. Specific measurements of employee performance that were set during the Expectation-Setting meeting are of particular importance in providing supporting documentation.
After completing an evaluation and rating for each area, the employee should turn to the last page of the PRD form and identify major strengths as well as areas for improvement. Then the employee should identify any training programs, assignments, on-the-job activities, or everyday duties that can be adjusted to strengthen target areas of performance.
The employee should bring the completed Self-Assessment with cover sheet to the meeting to discuss with the supervisor.