Writing a self-appraisal can be daunting—but it’s a skill you should get comfortable with to get both the recognition and guidance you need to grow. Here’s how you can approach the task with humility, honesty, and confidence. Start by distinguishing your sense of self from your work. The goal isn’t to judge your value as a person—it’s to evaluate your performance as an employee. The content of your appraisal should therefore focus on what you’ve produced, rather than your personality. Steer clear of “I am” statements and frame your work as the subject of each sentence. Consider your performance through the eyes of your stakeholders—the people inside and outside your organization whom your work affects—and communicate what problems you solved and what value you created for them. Include hard evidence, including qualitative and quantitative data, to back up these points. And don’t shy away from self-criticism. While it’s certainly important to highlight your positive contributions, your assessment will carry more weight if it’s balanced and transparent. Think of yourself as a journalist tasked with describing both sides of the story. Include your mistakes and missteps, what you learned from them, and what resources you need to improve in the future.
This tip is adapted from “Acing Your Self-Appraisal (Even If It’s Your First),”by Liz Wiseman
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