Measuring Your Performance

All too often we look for external sources of recognition of a job well done. To reward yourself for good performance, follow these steps before starting a project...

Relying on external sources of praise and recognition can lead to burn out and frustration when the powers that be are not proactive in their coaching. Learning to set your own benchmarks of success and learn from any bumps in the road will keep your self esteem high.

The note:

Write a note to yourself that includes a timeline (chosen dates) when you expect to achieve a benchmark of success. Describe each of these benchmarks by defining what success will look like.

The reminder:

Enter a reminder in a date book or calendar to review your note. Choose one of the following and answer the question(s):

1. You succeeded as predicted.

a) What would you have done even better?

b) How will you celebrate your success?

2. Success looks different than you predicted.

a) What factor did you not consider when describing your benchmark of success or your timeline?

3. You did not succeed at all.

a) Was the road block to success external and truly insurmountable or a shortcoming of yours?

b) What will you do differently in the future?

Adapted from Naked in the Boardroom by Robin Wolaner (p. 27)