- Michael Doolin boasts 36 years of experience in human resources at firms like PwC, British Airways, and DPD.
- He mentioned that employees frequently do not receive the acknowledgment or feedback they desire from their supervisors.
- The seasoned HR professional reveals the indicators employees should watch for that signal they excel 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 the head of human resources at PwC, British Airways, and DPD in Ireland. The excerpt below has been condensed for brevity and clarity.
Following 36 years in human resources, certain insights about individuals become clear. In my view, half of the employees show up daily aiming to perform well and merely desire a basic “Thanks” once their workday concludes. It’s unfortunate how numerous bosses overlook the significant impact that this straightforward recognition can have in maintaining employee engagement.
Individuals often lack clarity about their workplace standing concerning performance metrics. Those driven by career progression may seek acknowledgment regularly. Small cues such as a manager asking someone out for lunch or dedicating extra attention to another employee could instill a feeling of disparity. This perception, when intensified, has the potential to heighten sensations of tension, worry, and self-doubt.
Performance management, similar to evaluations, ought to occur more frequently than just annually. Instead, it should be an continuous dialogue between you and your supervisor. A former manager of mine had a excellent saying: “There shouldn’t be any shocks.” To maintain this approach, managers should conduct regular conversations and assessments with their employees all through the year.
To excel in your role means focusing on continuous growth, contributing significant value, and receiving acknowledgment for your efforts. Should your supervisor remain tight-lipped regarding your achievements, this could indicate that you’re doing well in your position.
Working efficiently
How smoothly you accomplish your tasks—regardless of whether they seem easy or difficult—can reflect how well you’re doing. You may notice that your inbox is emptier than usual due to fewer incoming requests or have extra free time left over at the end of the day, week, or month as a result of exceeding expectations.
On the contrary, if you store additional paperwork in the lower-left drawer due to neglect, this might indicate that your performance is lacking.
In spite of this, possessing an unending inbox does not necessarily indicate poor performance. Maximize automation and adopt new technologies along with improved methods—all indicators of someone who is proactively learning. Establish email filters to ensure you only encounter information that truly matters.
Proper planning
Organizing and prioritizing tasks indicates effective work habits. You should aim for transparency so your supervisor isn’t caught off guard. Procrastinating until the end and providing 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 peers, 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 various signs such as regular presence, neatness in attire, interaction with coworkers, changes in email activity, and active demonstration of mental keenness or contribution during workplace sessions, events, or discussions.
For an employer, understanding your team members and their working styles is essential. This aspect is often underestimated.
People operate differently when they’re under pressure. Employers can identify those stress points if they have a better sense of that person’s motivations and moods. The best way to do this is by spending time with them.
The workspace shouldn’t be the sole emphasis of an environment. It’s crucial to acknowledge that each individual possesses distinctive abilities. Hence, employers and employees alike benefit from viewing people holistically instead of merely focusing on how they contribute to routine duties.
Bringing solutions, not problems
When you excel at your job, you tend to generate solutions rather than create issues. You could arrive at conferences prepared with concepts that you’ve pondered over and investigated thoroughly. Proposing a carefully assessed resolution can be very beneficial. Additionally, should an error occur, you would recognize it promptly and possess an alternative plan ready.
Curiosity
A key indicator that your work is progressing smoothly is if you find yourself feeling curious. You will likely pose numerous questions and show eagerness to acquire new knowledge. You could start scrutinizing current procedures within the organization, such as examining the rationale behind specific practices, aiming to eliminate obstacles and foster potential openings. This demonstrates your inquisitiveness and desire to contribute positively.
Seek feedback if you remain uncertain.
Should you desire input, request it proactively. Inquire with your direct boss or manager about your performance. Seek their insights on what strengths you possess and which areas could use improvement. Inform them that you value consistent feedback and propose setting aside roughly fifteen minutes towards the close of each workday to discuss this casually.
Similar to participating in a race, you can always define your personal bests and set your individual benchmarks, such as reducing your inbox to zero messages or attracting a new client. This can be achieved through maintaining a work journal or establishing your specific key performance indicators.
Gain some perspective as well. A lot of individuals emphasize 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, parent, or companion you are.
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